The Simple Gospel

Peter’s question in 2 Peter 3:11—”What sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness”—was not a rhetorical flourish. It was a pointed, urgent call to reflection. In the context, Peter is addressing the coming judgment and the end of the world. This sobering truth should move us to examine not only what we believe, but how we live. If the world is passing away, what kind of people should we be? The answer is not left to speculation. Scripture lays out the kind of character, conduct, and commitment that God desires. Let us consider what manner of persons we ought to be.

I. Steadfast Persons
To be steadfast is to be immovable, grounded, and constant in purpose. In Acts 2:42, the early church “was continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching.” They didn’t drift aimlessly. Paul described his own determination in Philippians 3:13–14: “…forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal…” Steadfastness means not being tossed around by emotions or circumstances. It is daily choosing to follow Christ regardless of the winds that blow. 1 Corinthians 15:58 reminds us, “Be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord.” A fruit tree that is moved weekly never bears fruit. Neither will a Christian who lacks stability.

II. Prayerful Persons
Prayer is not a last resort. It is the lifeblood of our relationship with God. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Prayer is where we align our will with God’s, where we confess our weakness and find strength. Jesus modeled this dependence. In Luke 18:1, He spoke a parable to teach “that at all times they ought to pray and not become discouraged.” Are we a praying people—or only when things get hard? Prayer must be constant, fervent, and sincere.

III. Forgiving Persons
Forgiveness is not an optional virtue; it is a command. Paul wrote, “Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32). Jesus tied our forgiveness directly to our willingness to forgive others. In Matthew 6:14–15, He said, “For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive… neither will your Father forgive your offenses.” Forgiveness frees us from bitterness, reconciles relationships, and honors the grace we’ve been shown. Are we harboring grudges? Forgiveness must replace resentment.

IV. Soul-Winning Persons
The heart of Christ was a soul-winning heart. He said, “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). If we are to be like Him, we must carry that same concern. Proverbs 11:30 says, “The one who is wise saves lives.” Paul felt a deep urgency: “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). Jesus gave us the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20), and the early church obeyed it with boldness (Acts 8:4). Today, evangelism is often overlooked or left to a few. But every Christian is called to be a light and to bring others to Christ.

V. Happy Persons
The Christian life is not one of gloom. Philippians 4:4 instructs, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” Joy is the fruit of a heart that knows it is loved, saved, and heaven-bound. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 echoes, “Rejoice always.” This doesn’t mean Christians ignore sorrow, but even in trials, they have a hope the world can’t steal. A gloomy Christian contradicts the message of grace. Are we radiating the joy of salvation—or has the world stolen our smile?

VI. Cooperative Persons
We are not lone disciples. Christianity is a community. Paul wrote, “We are God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:9). Again in 2 Corinthians 6:1, “Working together with Him, we also urge you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” Just as a body functions with many members, the church thrives through unity and cooperation. We need one another. Pride, selfishness, or isolationism have no place in the body of Christ. Are we striving together—or pulling apart?

VII. Sacrificial Persons
Romans 12:1 urges, “…present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Christ gave everything. His people must follow that pattern. Whether it’s giving time, money, energy, or even our very lives—true Christianity costs something. Paul knew this firsthand. He wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). Christianity is not convenient, but it is worth everything. What are we willing to sacrifice?

VIII. Exemplary Persons
We are meant to be seen. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). Our lives should be sermons in motion. 1 Peter 3:1–2 speaks of spouses being won “without a word” by the behavior of their mates. James 2:18 says, “I will show you my faith by my works.” We are either drawing people to Christ or pushing them away. What do our lives say about our Lord?

Conclusion
In light of eternity, Peter’s question still echoes: What manner of persons ought you to be? The answer is clear. We ought to be steadfast, prayerful, forgiving, soul-winning, joyful, cooperative, sacrificial, and exemplary. These are not lofty ideals for a select few—they are the daily call of every disciple.

So, examine your heart. What kind of person are you becoming? The Lord is coming. Time is short. Heaven is real—and so is hell. “What sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?” (2 Peter 3:11).

The answer is not just a description. It’s a decision. What kind of person will you choose to be?

When Philip found Nathanael in John 1:45, he shared the greatest news he had ever heard: “We have found Him of whom Moses wrote in the Law, and the prophets also wrote: Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” Nathanael’s response was skeptical: “Can anything good be from Nazareth?” Yet Philip’s reply is one of the most powerful invitations ever spoken: “Come and see” (John 1:46). It is simple. It is personal. It is compelling.

The same invitation is echoed throughout Scripture. When the Samaritan woman met Jesus at the well, she went into the city and said, “Come, see a Man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is He?” (John 4:29). The power of true discovery in Christ always results in a desire to share Him. When people genuinely encounter Jesus, they cannot help but invite others to do the same.

I. What Do We Mean by “Come and See”?

Too often, people hear an invitation to Christ and misunderstand the nature of it. This is not an invitation to come see a religion of opinions, or a faith of traditions and “maybes.” We’re not asking the world to come and see what might be, or what could be, but to come and see what is. We are calling people to examine the Christ as revealed in Scripture. We say with confidence, “Come and see the Lord.” Not as we imagine Him, not as culture reshapes Him, but as He is truly presented in the Word of God.

This invitation is not to explore our personal views or denominational distinctives, but to encounter the living Jesus. “Come and see” is a call to witness firsthand the truth of who Jesus is and what He commands.

II. Come and See Jesus for Who He Truly Is

A. See Jesus as the Son of Man
Jesus was born of a virgin, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23). He entered the world in human form, identifying with our weaknesses, experiencing our struggles, and showing us how to live in obedience to God. Paul wrote, “He emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7).

B. See Jesus as the Son of God
He was not only human—He was divine. John 20:31 declares, “These have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that by believing you may have life in His name.” Jesus performed miracles (John 2:11), calmed storms (Mark 4:39), forgave sins (Mark 2:5), and rose from the dead (Matthew 28:6). He did what no man could do because He was not just man—He was God in the flesh (John 1:1).

C. See Jesus as the Savior of the World
He came to die. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). He took our sins upon Himself. He was our substitute. “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). We say to the world: Come and see the One who died for you.

III. Come and See His Church

Jesus didn’t just save individuals—He built a church. He said, “Upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it” (Matthew 16:18). That church still exists. It is not a man-made denomination, but a spiritual body composed of those who have submitted to Christ through obedient faith.

“So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand souls” (Acts 2:41). Verse 47 says, “The Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Come and see the church that belongs to Christ—those saved, called out, and added by the Lord Himself.

IV. Come and See What He Commands

A. See What Jesus Commands to Be Saved
We must not simply admire Jesus—we must obey Him. He said, “He who has believed and has been baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). When the crowd at Pentecost asked what they should do, Peter replied, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Come and see what the Bible says—not man, not tradition—about salvation.

B. See What Jesus Commands for Life
Jesus also teaches us how to live. Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age.” Come and see that the gospel is not just about being saved from something—but being saved for something.

C. See What Jesus Will Say on the Last Day
Jesus will judge all people. He said, “Do not be amazed at this; for a time is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come out: those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the bad deeds to a resurrection of judgment” (John 5:28-29). Will you be ready to stand before Him?

V. Come and See—Then Go and Tell

We do not invite people to a dead religion but to a risen Lord. Our task is not merely to say, “Come and see,” but also to go and tell. When Andrew met Jesus, “he first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’… He brought him to Jesus” (John 1:41–42).

Do we speak of Christ with that same urgency today? Do we believe, as Paul did, that “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16)?

Conclusion: The Invitation Still Stands

We invite you—sincerely and boldly—to come and see. See the Lord as He is. See His sacrifice, His church, His commands, and His promises. See the truth that saves.

Then go and tell others. Invite your friends, your family, your neighbors: Come and see.

And when we do, may it be said of us as it was of those in ancient times, “They turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6).

John 11:39

Faith That Obeys

The importance of faith cannot be overstated. Without faith, there is no relationship with God, no access to grace, and no hope of eternal life. Hebrews 11 is a chapter that overflows with examples of those who pleased God by faith. Verse 6 states plainly, “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6, NASB).

Yet there is a kind of belief that does not save. It is belief that hears, even agrees—but does not obey. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21). To believe without obedience is to believe in vain. This is why the Lord said to Moses in Numbers 20:12, “Because you did not trust Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, for that reason you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”

I. Faith Must Lead to Obedience

Moses believed in God. He had led Israel through the Red Sea and spoken with God face to face. But in Numbers 20, God gave Moses a specific command: speak to the rock. Instead, Moses struck the rock, and for that act of disobedience, God said, “You did not believe in Me.” What a sobering truth—that disobedience is seen as disbelief.

Faith is more than acknowledgment—it is action. James writes, “You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected” (James 2:22). The example given is Abraham. He did not merely say, “I believe.” He obeyed, even to the point of offering Isaac. “By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac…” (Hebrews 11:17). This is the kind of faith that justifies—a faith that moves.

II. What It Means to Not Believe in God

Many today claim to believe in God but live lives filled with self-will and compromise. The Lord said to Israel, “This people honors Me with their lips, But their heart is far away from Me. And in vain do they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8-9). Vain worship is real. And it comes not from atheists, but from religious people who believe without obeying.

God sees our rejection of His commands as rejection of Him. To substitute our will for His is to declare, “I believe not.” In the same way that Moses struck the rock instead of speaking, many today change God’s pattern and assume He will still be pleased.

III. What Saving Faith Looks Like

True belief always surrenders. Abraham is again our example. Romans 4:20-22 says, “Yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform. Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness.”

Faith that saves is faith that obeys. “The one who believes in the Son has eternal life; but the one who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him” (John 3:36). Belief and obedience are inseparable in God’s eyes.

IV. What Does God Command Us To Do?

If we claim to believe, we must obey what God has said. Consider a few areas where disobedience is widespread:

A. Wear the Name Christian
Acts 4:12 says, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.” The name “Christian” was divinely given (Acts 11:26), and we are not authorized to wear any other name. When we do, we fail to honor Christ fully.

B. Be Baptized for the Forgiveness of Sins
Peter said, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38). Jesus said, “The one who has believed and has been baptized will be saved” (Mark 16:16). To delay or deny baptism is to reject the plain word of God.

C. Worship According to the Pattern
Colossians 3:16 commands, “…singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Ephesians 5:19 agrees: “…speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” Instrumental music is a human addition. God never asked for it. To add is to disobey (Revelation 22:18-19).

D. Be a Member of Christ’s Church
Jesus said, “I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18). Acts 20:28 says He purchased it with His blood. Paul taught that there is “one body” (Ephesians 4:4). The church is not a denomination—it is the saved, the called out. To join a man-made institution and ignore the Lord’s church is to say, “I believe not.”

E. Live Faithfully and Spread the Gospel
Jesus said, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations…” (Matthew 28:19). This is not optional. Christians are lights in the world. If we claim to follow Jesus but remain silent, we disobey. Silence is not faith—it is unbelief.

V. The Conclusion of the Matter

Hebrews 3:12 warns, “Take care, brothers and sisters, that there will not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God.” The greatest danger facing Christians today is not rejection of God’s existence—it is living as though His commands don’t matter.

Paul said, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” (2 Corinthians 13:5). Can we say with confidence that we are walking in the truth? Not just in word, but in life, in worship, in submission?

Faith that does not obey will not save. And on the last day, many who said “Lord, Lord” will hear the dreadful words: “I never knew you; leave Me, you who practice lawlessness” (Matthew 7:23).

Let us believe—in the fullest sense of the word. Let us believe with our minds, our hearts, and our hands. Let our faith be the kind that moves, submits, and obeys.

For anything less is to hear God say: “You believed not in Me.”

Will He say that to you?

John 11:39

The Lord, in His divine wisdom, has designed a plan of salvation that requires man’s cooperation. While it is true that salvation is by grace (Ephesians 2:8), it is not bestowed apart from human response. Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount that hearing His words is not enough; one must also do them. “Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24, NASB). The contrast is clear: wise men do, foolish men do not.

This principle—of man’s responsibility to respond to God—has been present from the beginning. When God finished His work of creation, He saw that it was “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Man, made in His image, was given dominion, purpose, and a relationship with God. But when man sinned, that fellowship was broken. Yet even then, God’s love reached through the darkness. He devised a plan to save mankind through the gift of His Son (John 3:16). But even this great plan does not exclude man’s role. There is something for us to do. Salvation is not automatic—it must be accepted on God’s terms. And Jesus’ words to the people at Lazarus’ tomb illustrate this beautifully: “Take away the stone” (John 11:39).

I. The Setting at Lazarus’ Tomb
John 11 tells the moving story of Lazarus, a dear friend of Jesus, who had died. His sisters, Mary and Martha, had sent word to Jesus, but He arrived after Lazarus had been in the tomb four days. Upon arrival, Jesus was deeply moved. “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). He felt their pain. Yet even in this moment of divine power—moments before He would raise the dead—Jesus gave a command to the mourners: “Take away the stone” (John 11:39).

Why? Surely, Jesus could have moved it Himself. Why ask others to do it?

Because God never does for man what man can do for himself.

Jesus didn’t tell them to raise the dead—only He could do that. But He required them to remove the obstacle. God’s power and man’s obedience work together. The principle is simple and powerful: Divine blessing requires human cooperation.

II. Biblical Examples of Man’s Cooperation
A. Noah and the Ark
Salvation was in the ark, but Noah had to build it. God gave the design: “Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood…” (Genesis 6:14). Noah’s obedience is praised: “Thus Noah did; according to everything that God had commanded him, so he did” (Genesis 6:22). Noah could not save himself from the flood—but he could obey. He rolled away the stone of unbelief and worked according to God’s plan.

B. Israel at the Red Sea
In Exodus 14, Israel was trapped between the Red Sea and Pharaoh’s army. God told Moses, “Lift up your staff and reach out with your hand over the sea and divide it…” (Exodus 14:16). The waters would part by God’s power, but Moses still had to act. Suppose he had said, “Lord, I’ll wait until the waters part on their own.” Would they have been saved?

C. Fiery Serpents in the Wilderness
When the people were bitten by serpents, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent. Those who looked upon it would live (Numbers 21:8–9). The cure was provided, but each person had to look. Refusing to look would have meant death. No one else could look for them.

D. Naaman the Leper
Naaman had leprosy. The prophet Elisha told him to wash in the Jordan seven times (2 Kings 5:10). At first he resisted, but eventually he obeyed—and was healed. God could have healed him without the Jordan River, but obedience was the point. Naaman had to humble himself and obey.

In every case, the blessing was conditional. Salvation came, but only when man did what God asked. These are the stones that had to be rolled away.

III. The Christian Must Remove Stones Too
Just because we have obeyed the gospel does not mean our responsibilities have ended. In fact, obedience is only the beginning. After becoming a Christian, we must remain active, faithful, and spiritually awake. Unfortunately, many baptized believers become stagnant, hindered in their walk by stones that have been allowed to remain—or new ones that slowly roll into place. If not removed, they will bury our zeal, choke our faith, and silence our usefulness in the kingdom.

God expects the Christian to roll away these stones—not by their own strength, but through obedience to His Word and by leaning on the power of His Spirit. Consider some of the most common stones that weigh down the children of God:

1. The Stone of Indifference
Some Christians no longer feel the urgency of the gospel or the weight of lost souls. They may assemble, but their hearts are distant. Their faith has grown cold. This is spiritual sleep. Paul warned, “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it” (Hebrews 2:1). Indifference is a slow drift. We don’t wake up one day and abandon Christ. We slide—little by little—because our hearts no longer burn with the care and commitment they once held. Indifference must be shattered before it numbs us to spiritual death.

2. The Stone of Worldliness
Worldliness is love for the temporary pleasures of this life more than the eternal promises of God. John warned, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (1 John 2:15). A heart divided cannot serve God. Many Christians today spend far more time in entertainment than in Scripture, more energy in career than in kingdom work. When our desires mirror the world more than Christ, we must ask: Have I buried my faith beneath worldly clutter?

3. The Stone of Ignorance
Ignorance is not innocence. A lack of knowledge is dangerous, especially when it’s by choice. Peter said, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Some Christians never grow because they never study. They live off shallow phrases and inherited ideas, never anchoring their faith in the Word. But a weak, uninformed faith cannot stand under pressure. We must know the truth to live it—and to defend it.

4. The Stone of Malice and Bitterness
Too many are held captive by old grudges or unresolved anger. Bitterness silences prayers, poisons hearts, and divides churches. Paul said, “All bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31). Forgiveness isn’t optional—it’s commanded. If God forgave us, how can we hold onto hatred toward others? These stones weigh heavily on the soul and must be rolled away if we want our hearts to be clean before God.

5. The Stone of Pride and Self-Importance
Some Christians are buried beneath their own ego. Pride whispers, “I’m right. I don’t need help. I don’t need to change.” But Paul wrote, “For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think” (Romans 12:3). Pride keeps us from confession, from correction, and from growth. Humility is the only soil where righteousness can take root.

IV. God Has Done His Part
God has not left man without help. He has made provision:

• The Sacrifice – God sent His Son to die on our behalf. Hebrews 9:22 states, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Jesus became the perfect sacrifice, fulfilling what the blood of bulls and goats could never do. Paul reminds us, “For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6).
• The Plan – God has clearly revealed His expectations through His Word. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). His will is knowable, and it is written for us to study, obey, and teach.
• The Offer – Salvation is extended as a gift, not something we could ever earn. Ephesians 2:8 declares, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” God’s grace is abundant, but it must be received on His terms—through obedient faith.

Yet none of this removes man’s responsibility. We must roll away the stones in our hearts and lives if we wish to receive the blessing.

V. Conclusion: Will You Take Away the Stone?
Some people are waiting for God to do it all. But salvation is conditional. God has made the offer—but He expects obedience.

Paul wrote, “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Not because we earn salvation—but because salvation requires response.

To the sinner: Are you waiting for a feeling, a sign, a more convenient time? God says, “Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 3:15). Roll away the stone.

To the Christian: Have you allowed pride, apathy, or worldliness to block your spiritual growth? Has the church, in your hands, been buried beneath stones of silence and inaction?

Christ stands at the tomb, calling out to the dead. But before He calls them forth, He says to us: “Take away the stone.”

Will you?

The Inescapable Reality of Responsibility

The very fact that man is man carries with it the reality of accountability. We are not machines, nor are we mindless animals driven by instinct alone. We are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and with that image comes the power—and the burden—of choice. That means responsibility.

The apostle Paul declares, “So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12, NASB). That is a sobering truth. One day, every soul will stand before the throne of Christ and answer for the life they lived. Whether one believes it or not, whether one prepares or not, the appointment stands. “It is destined for people to die once, and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

Our world today fights against this idea. Many embrace atheism, agnosticism, or moral relativism to escape the weight of accountability. But removing God from our thinking doesn’t remove His authority. It only blinds us to the truth until it is too late. The soul still bears the consequences of its choices—whether it recognizes them or not.

I. Created to Be Accountable

God has always taught that man bears responsibility for his actions. From the very beginning, Adam and Eve were given a law—and held accountable when they broke it (Genesis 2:16–17; 3:17–19). Even when they tried to shift the blame—Adam to Eve, and Eve to the serpent—God held each individually responsible.

Paul makes this crystal clear: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive compensation for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Every one of us will answer—not for our neighbor, not for our parents or children—but for ourselves.

That is the message throughout the Bible:

• “The soul who sins will die. The son will not bear the guilt of the father, nor will the father bear the guilt of the son” (Ezekiel 18:20).
• “Whatever you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).
• “So then, my beloved… work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12).

Personal accountability is not just a religious concept—it’s a divine reality. And no one is exempt.

---

II. Lessons From Scripture: Accountability in Action

Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly demonstrates that each person is accountable to Him.

1. The Garden of Eden

In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve are both called to account for their disobedience. God didn’t accept excuses. The serpent’s deception didn’t remove Eve’s guilt. Adam’s claim, “The woman whom You gave to be with me…” didn’t remove his responsibility. Each stood accountable.

2. Cain and Abel

When Cain killed his brother, God didn’t ask, “What did your parents teach you?” or “What did Abel do to provoke you?” He asked, “Where is your brother Abel?” (Genesis 4:9). Cain was responsible for his actions and was punished accordingly. “If you do well, will your face not be cheerful?” (Genesis 4:7). He had a choice—and he chose sin.

3. Parables of Jesus

In Matthew 25, Jesus gives two powerful parables on accountability:

• The Parable of the Ten Virgins shows that preparedness is a personal matter. The foolish virgins couldn’t borrow oil from the wise. No one else’s faith or readiness can substitute for yours.
• The Parable of the Talents shows that each servant had to give a personal account to the Master. The one-talent man wasn’t judged for what others did—but for what he did with what he had. “You wicked, lazy slave” (Matthew 25:26).

We are not saved or lost as a group. We are judged as individuals.

---

III. Excuses Will Not Stand in the Judgment

Humanity has always sought to shift blame, delay accountability, or minimize responsibility. But before the judgment seat of Christ, every excuse will collapse.

1. You Can’t Blame Someone Else

The idea that someone else will carry the burden for us is false. There will be no group reports in the Day of Judgment. No one will stand and say, “Lord, I followed my preacher,” or “I did what my parents told me.” That will not matter.

“Each one must examine his own work, and then he will have reason for boasting, but to himself alone, and not to another. For each one will bear his own load” (Galatians 6:4–5).

When the Lord judges, He will not ask, “What did your preacher say?” or “What did the church teach?” He will ask, “What did YOU do with My Word?”

2. Being Religious Is Not Enough

Jesus warned that many who call Him “Lord” will be turned away. Why? “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21).

It is possible to be busy in religion and still be lost—because God doesn’t judge by activity, but by obedience.

3. Delayed Obedience Is Still Disobedience

The time to obey is now. “Behold, now is ‘a favorable time,’ behold, now is ‘a day of salvation’” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Hoping to serve God “someday” is a dangerous gamble with eternity. Many have died with full intentions of getting right—someday. But someday never came.

---

IV. God’s Grace Does Not Cancel Responsibility

We must be clear on this point. No one can earn salvation. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). But that grace requires something of us.

“And having been perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:9).

Obedience is not a work that earns salvation—it is the condition through which grace is received. Paul said, “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly” (Galatians 2:21). But he also said, “What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin so that grace may increase? Far from it!” (Romans 6:1–2).

God’s grace teaches us to live righteously, not to neglect duty (Titus 2:11–12). It strengthens us to obey—it doesn’t remove the need for obedience.

---

V. Final Plea: You Are Accountable

God is not mocked. “Whatever a person sows, this he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7). Each of us must prepare for the day when our name is called.

Are you accountable? Yes. Are you ready to give account? That depends on your response to God’s Word.

Paul once stood ready to die because he knew he had obeyed the gospel, lived a faithful life, and finished his course. He said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7–8).

Can you say the same?

You won’t be judged based on someone else’s life. You won’t be saved because your parents were faithful. You won’t be excused because others were worse. God will look at you—only you—and ask what you did with the life He gave.

Today is your opportunity. Not tomorrow. Not when it’s convenient. Today.

(Acts 21:13)

Introduction

As Paul stood in the house of Philip the evangelist, brethren pleaded with him not to go to Jerusalem. Danger awaited him there—arrest, persecution, perhaps death. But Paul’s response pierced through the emotion of the moment: “I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (Acts 21:13, NASB). What gave Paul such peace in the face of death? How could he say that with such calm confidence?

In a world filled with fear and uncertainty, Paul’s courage shines like a beacon. Many people fear death—not because they love life so much, but because they are unprepared to meet their God. Paul wasn’t unafraid of pain or hardship—he was simply ready. This wasn’t a boast; it was the natural result of a life formed, shaped, and anchored in obedience to Christ.

So we ask the question: can we say with Paul, “I am ready to die”? What made Paul ready—and how can we be?

---

I. Paul Was Ready Because He Had Formed the Proper Relationship with the Lord

There are only two spiritual relationships a person can be in: either “in the evil one” or “in Christ.” John wrote, “We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19). That’s the natural state of humanity without God. To be “in the evil one” is to be subject to Satan’s rule, to walk in rebellion, even unknowingly, against the Creator.

But Paul wasn’t in that condition. He had formed a different relationship—he was “in Christ.” That’s a specific, defined spiritual location. Romans 6:3–4 tells us how that happens: “Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?” Paul had submitted to the gospel—faith, repentance, confession, and baptism. As Galatians 3:27 says, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”

That’s how Paul got into Christ, and it’s how we do, too. This isn’t about church membership or morality—it’s about being spiritually relocated. If we’re outside of Christ, we’re in danger. If we’re in Christ, we’re safe. And that’s the foundation of readiness.

---

II. Paul Was Ready Because He Had Completely Divorced Himself from the World

Some love life so much they feel cheated to leave it early. But Paul said, “I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus” (Acts 20:24). His life had one purpose: to glorify God and finish the task. That’s why he could say with conviction, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

Paul didn’t dabble in the world while claiming Christ. He cut ties. His joy wasn’t in pleasures, distractions, or worldly goals. He didn’t belong to this world—and he knew it. He had “crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24). He didn’t let ball games, fishing, or entertainment rob him of his purpose. It wasn’t that those things are inherently sinful—but for Paul, nothing could interfere with the race he was running.

Many believers today are far too entangled. “No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life” (2 Timothy 2:4). If we can’t say goodbye to the world, we aren’t ready to die. To be ready is to be unchained from this life.

---

III. Paul Was Ready Because He Had Faithfully Performed His Duties

Paul viewed his life as a stewardship. In 2 Timothy 4:6–7, he declared, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith.”

Paul lived like a soldier, never retreating in the face of difficulty. He fought against sin, error, discouragement, and persecution. He didn’t quit. He also saw himself as a runner—focused on the finish line. Hebrews 12:1 urges us to “lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Paul did.

He didn’t just live faithfully—he served faithfully. He taught, he worked, he prayed, he gave, he suffered. He poured himself out in service to the kingdom. He could face death, not with dread, but with anticipation. “In the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8).

We cannot be ready to die if we are idle in our faith. Some neglect their spiritual duties and hope grace will cover the difference. But God calls us to work. Not to earn salvation—but to walk in it.

---

IV. Faithful Obedience Was Not the Basis of Paul’s Salvation—But It Was the Condition

Let’s be clear: Paul wasn’t saved because he earned it. He knew better than anyone that salvation is by grace. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9). But that grace was not unconditional.

Hebrews 5:9 says, “And having been perfected, He became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him.” That’s plain. Paul obeyed—and he kept obeying.

No amount of good works can put God in our debt. But grace doesn’t cover rebellion. The same Lord who saves by grace “will deal out retribution to those who do not know God, and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (2 Thessalonians 1:8).

Grace is available. It’s wide. It’s free. But it’s not given to the disobedient. Paul knew this. That’s why he was diligent. That’s why he gave everything he had. Not to earn, but to honor. Not to merit, but to remain faithful.

---

Conclusion: Are You Ready to Die?

This isn’t a morbid question. It’s a necessary one. Are you ready to die? Not because you’ve lived a good life—but because you’ve been made right with God through the blood of Jesus, and have walked faithfully in Him?

If not, you can begin today.

If you haven’t yet formed the proper relationship with Christ, do what Paul did. Be baptized into Christ. Enter into Him.

If you’re entangled in the world—cut it off. Let go of what’s holding you back. Fix your eyes on eternity.

If you’ve grown lazy, or indifferent, or afraid—stand back up. Finish the race. Fight the fight.

You can have the same assurance Paul had. You can face death without fear. But not by accident. Not without surrender.

The question isn’t just “Am I living right?” It’s deeper. It’s eternal.

Am I ready to die?

If not—what will you do about it?

Now is the time.

Christianity is indeed a religion—but not all religion is Christianity. Not all worship is pleasing to God. Jesus made this painfully clear when He said, “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far away from Me. And in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:8–9, NASB). Not all religion is true religion, and not all worship is accepted by God. James echoes this truth: “If anyone thinks that he is religious, yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this person’s religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (James 1:26–27).

So we must ask: Can someone be religious—even deeply devout—and still be lost in God’s eyes? According to Scripture, the answer is yes.

The Nature of Man and His Religious Inclination

People are naturally drawn to worship something beyond themselves. From the earliest pages of Scripture, we see people building altars, offering sacrifices, and seeking a connection with God. But just being religious doesn’t make someone right with God. Jesus said, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21).

A person can be:

• Honest, but honestly mistaken (Matthew 7:21).
• Sincere, but sincerely wrong (Romans 10:1–3).
• Devout, but still disobedient (Philippians 3:6).
• A worshiper, but not accepted (Matthew 15:9).

Let’s take a closer look at how this happens.

---

I. How Can We Be Religious and Yet Sinners?

1. By Worshiping the Wrong God

God has always condemned idolatry. One of the Ten Commandments was, “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol…” (Exodus 20:3–4). The people of Athens were described by Paul as “very religious” (Acts 17:22), yet they worshiped an “unknown god.” They were sincere—but still wrong.

In 1 Kings 18:21, Elijah challenged Israel: “How long are you going to struggle between the two choices? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” Being religious means nothing if it’s directed toward the wrong object.

2. By Worshiping the True God in the Wrong Way

God doesn’t accept every kind of worship. Cain and Abel both brought offerings, but only Abel’s was accepted. “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain” (Hebrews 11:4). That means Abel listened to God. Cain didn’t.

Nadab and Abihu were priests. They worshiped—but they offered “unauthorized fire” (Leviticus 10:1–2). God hadn’t told them to use it, and fire came from heaven and consumed them. God had never said, “don’t use that fire,” but He had said what kind of fire to use. They added to God’s instruction and were punished for it.

3. By Being a Worshiper Without Obeying the Gospel

Cornelius in Acts 10 was devout and generous. The Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8 had just been to worship. Saul (later Paul) was extremely religious. But none of them were saved until they obeyed the gospel.

Hebrews 5:9 says Jesus is “the source of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him.” Being religious isn’t enough—God requires obedience to His will.

4. By Becoming Unfaithful After Becoming a True Worshiper

Some start out right, then fall back. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5) were Christians. Simon the Sorcerer (Acts 8) believed and was baptized. The church in Corinth had problems even though they were God’s people.

Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:12, “Therefore let the one who thinks he stands watch out that he does not fall.” Salvation isn’t something we get and then forget. We must stay faithful (Revelation 2:10).

---

II. Scriptural Examples of Religious Sinners

Here are some real examples from Scripture of people who were religious—but still sinned:

• Cain (Genesis 4) – Cain brought an offering, but it wasn’t accepted. Abel brought a better one because he followed what God said (Hebrews 11:4). Cain didn’t submit to God’s instruction and got angry instead of correcting his mistake. “If you do well, will your face not be cheerful?” (Genesis 4:7).
• Moses (Numbers 20:7–12) – God told Moses to speak to the rock, but Moses struck it. That one act kept him from entering the Promised Land. Even leaders must obey God exactly. Disobedience—even when trying to serve—is still disobedience.
• Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1–2) – They were priests. They offered fire God hadn’t told them to use. He consumed them with fire. “By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy” (Leviticus 10:3). Their mistake wasn’t that they had bad intentions, but that they assumed they could approach God in their own way instead of following His instructions.
• The Pharisees (Matthew 15:9) – They followed traditions and looked religious, but Jesus said, “In vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” They were outwardly spiritual, but their hearts were far from God.

These stories show us that God doesn’t accept all worship—only the kind that follows His Word.

---

III. Conclusion: A Call to Examine Ourselves

We live in a time when people believe sincerity is all that matters. But God says otherwise. “God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24).

Paul urges us, “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!” (2 Corinthians 13:5). It’s not enough to feel good about what we do. We must ask, “Is this what God wants?”

James reminds us in James 5:16, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed.” God is merciful. If we’re off course, we can return.

Ask yourself honestly: Am I truly worshiping in a way that pleases God—or am I only going through the motions?

Let’s return to Scripture. Let’s obey fully. Let’s honor God not just with our lips, but with our hearts, our actions, and our worship.

Will I be among those whose worship is accepted—or among those who honor Him with lips, but not with heart and obedience?

Understanding God’s Silence and the Danger of Assumption

Introduction: The Power of a “Not”

In our pursuit of truth, we often expect God to write out every detail—what to do and what not to do. But what happens when God doesn’t say, “Thou shalt not”? Is silence consent? Or is silence itself a statement?

The subject may seem unusual, but it’s of vital importance. In Genesis 1:1, we read: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” By the time we get to verse 31, Scripture declares: “God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good.” Mankind was made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26), a rational, free-moral being—capable of understanding and choosing to obey or disobey.

God gave man law from the very beginning. With law came the ability to transgress. And with transgression came the need for discernment—not just in what God said, but in what He did not say.

God’s Commands Are Inclusive and Exclusive

In Exodus 20, God gives the Law to Israel: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). Throughout the Ten Commandments, we see clear prohibitions: “You shall not…” over and over again. This structure communicates God’s will by both inclusion and exclusion.

But under the New Covenant, God often commands by stating what to do—without listing all that is not to be done. When God says to do one thing, He excludes all else. That is the foundation of divine authority.

Some might say, “If God didn’t say not to, then maybe it’s allowed.” But John 21:25 reminds us, “There are also many other things which Jesus did, which, if they were written in detail, I suppose that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.” God didn’t give us a list of every “not”—instead, He gave us a perfect standard and expects us to respect His silence.

Case Studies:

Cain and Abel

In Genesis 4, both Cain and Abel brought offerings to the Lord. But Abel’s was accepted, and Cain’s was not. Why? Hebrews 11:4 says, “By faith Abel offered to God a better sacrifice than Cain, through which he was attested to be righteous.” Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17), which means Abel obeyed what God had revealed.

God never had to say “Do not offer the fruit of the ground.” He had already specified what He desired. Cain’s offering was rejected not because of malice but because it was not what God had commanded. God’s silence was not permission.

Noah and the Ark

God told Noah, “Make for yourself an ark of gopher wood” (Genesis 6:14). God didn’t need to say, “Do not use cedar, pine, or oak.” His specification excluded all others. That’s why we’re told in Genesis 6:22, “So Noah did; according to everything that God had commanded him, so he did.”

Noah didn’t add to God’s word. He respected it. And Hebrews 11:7 says, “By faith Noah, being warned by God…prepared an ark for the salvation of his household.” His faith was not presumptive—it obeyed the details.

Nadab and Abihu

In Leviticus 10:1–2, “Nadab and Abihu…offered strange fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. And fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them.”

God had told them how to offer incense. He didn’t have to list every wrong way. When they chose their own fire, they treated God’s silence as permission—and it cost them their lives. God’s silence is not an invitation to innovate.

Transporting the Ark: A Deadly Assumption

In 2 Samuel 6, David and the people placed the ark of the covenant on a cart. But God had commanded in Numbers 4 that it be carried on poles by the Levites. When Uzzah reached out to steady the ark, God struck him dead.

Why? Because, as 1 Chronicles 15:13 says, “Because you did not carry it at the first, the Lord our God made an outburst on us, since we did not seek Him according to the ordinance.” They tried to honor God their way—but it wasn’t His way.

Let us not mistake good intentions for acceptable worship. God’s silence is not a blank check.

Specific Commands Leave No Room for Substitutes

When it comes to the Lord’s Supper, God specified unleavened bread and fruit of the vine (Matthew 26:26–29). Does He need to say, “Do not use soda and crackers”? No. The command excludes all else.

When God said to baptize believers (Mark 16:16), does He need to list who not to baptize? Infant baptism is excluded because it does not meet the conditions. Baptism is a burial (Romans 6:4), so sprinkling or pouring is likewise unauthorized—not because God said “not to,” but because He didn’t say “to.”

The silence of Scripture is not an oversight. It is a boundary.

Instrumental Music in Worship

God has told us how to make music in worship: “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19). “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you…singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).

He never said to use instruments, not because He forgot—but because He told us what to do. Anything else is an addition. As with Nadab and Abihu, it’s not worship when we do it our way.

Trying to Help God

In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul was told to destroy Amalek completely. But he kept the best sheep and oxen. When confronted, Saul said, “I have obeyed the voice of the Lord…But the people took some of the spoils to sacrifice to the Lord” (1 Samuel 15:20–21).

Samuel responded, “Has the Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22). Saul’s downfall was not in rebellion—but in presumption. He tried to help God.

Many today say, “We just want to help the church grow,” so they form missionary societies, change the worship, and alter doctrine. But God’s gospel is sufficient. Ephesians 3:21 says, “To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.”

God didn’t authorize it, and that’s enough.

Can We See the Scriptures Alike?

Some claim, “We just can’t see the Bible the same way.” But do we say that about science? Mathematics? Contracts? Only in religion do we treat truth as subjective. Yet Paul commands in 1 Corinthians 1:10, “Now I urge you…that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

Unity is possible when we respect what God has said—and what He hasn’t.

Conclusion: What Will You Do with God’s Silence?

The world accepts “almost truth” as good enough. But God has not given us that luxury. When God tells us what to do, we must do it—and we must not add to it.

Revelation 22:18–19 gives this warning: “If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues…if anyone takes away…the Lord will take away his part from the tree of life.” God’s word is complete. We are not editors. We are not advisors. We are servants.

Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). And again, “He who does not enter by the door… but climbs up some other way, he is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1).

If you’re trying to come to God any way except through His revealed word, it will not lead to life.

The Gospel is a moving train, ready to carry all who will board. But we must come His way.

Have you respected what God has said? Or are you doing what He never said not to do?

Let us be among those who tremble at His word (Isaiah 66:2)—not because we fear what He didn’t say, but because we deeply revere what He has.

Introduction: Jesus Never Hid the Price

In Luke 14:25-33, Jesus turns to the great multitudes following Him and makes an unexpected declaration. He doesn’t flatter them for their interest or try to keep them with comforting words. Instead, He tells them that discipleship comes at a cost. “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27, NASB). These are not the words of a man trying to gain popularity—they are the call of a Savior who knows what following Him demands.

We live in a world where decisions are often made with little thought to long-term consequence. Convenience and emotion guide far too many spiritual choices. Yet Jesus challenges us to count the cost. Before one builds a tower, he must sit down and calculate whether he has enough to finish it (Luke 14:28). Before one commits to Christ, he must ask—am I willing to go all the way?

The Hidden Cost of Sin

Too many only weigh the cost of discipleship, never the cost of disobedience. But sin has its own price. It promises freedom but delivers bondage. Hebrews 11:25 speaks of “the temporary pleasures of sin,” but we must remember that temporary pleasure often leads to permanent regret. Romans 6:23 is clear: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gracious gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Sin may be dressed in glitter and appeal, but it leads to destruction. Jephthah’s rash vow in Judges 11 reminds us of the danger in acting without thought. So too, many today leap into sinful lives without counting what it will cost their souls, their families, and their future. Will we open our eyes before it’s too late?

What Will It Cost to Follow Jesus?

Following Jesus is not a half-hearted decision. It demands everything. He said, “So then, none of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions” (Luke 14:33). That doesn’t necessarily mean we sell everything we own, but it does mean that nothing—no relationship, no possession, no comfort—can come before Him.

Salvation is free in the sense that we cannot earn it. But discipleship demands sacrifice. The Philippian jailer asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30). The answer was belief, but that belief must be one that obeys. Acts 2:38 echoes this: “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” There is a cost to changing from a life of sin to one of righteousness. One must be willing to obey the gospel and live it every day.

Faith, repentance, and baptism are only the beginning. The Christian life is one of daily sacrifice. Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age.” Are we willing to do this—to give up what is worldly and embrace what is holy?

The Cost of Continued Faithfulness

It is not enough to begin the Christian walk. We must finish it. Many begin strong but falter when things get hard. But Jesus never promised ease. In fact, He promised trials. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:12, “Indeed, all who want to live in a godly way in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

So what do we do when the way becomes difficult? We remember that the reward is greater than the pain. Jesus said in Mark 10:29-30 that those who give up homes, family, and possessions for His sake will receive “a hundred times as much… along with persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life.” The reward is eternal, and it’s worth every step of sacrifice.

We must count the cost daily. Romans 12:1 urges, “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Christianity isn’t something we do once—it’s who we are. It means choosing love when we’d rather hate, choosing purity when the world promotes sin, and choosing truth when it’s unpopular.

Those Who Paid the Price

Think of those who went before us. Joshua, in his final days, told the people, “Be very firm, then, to keep and do all that is written in the book of the Law of Moses” (Joshua 23:6). David, on his deathbed, urged Solomon to walk in God’s ways (1 Kings 2:2-3). These men knew the value of commitment. They knew that faithfulness requires vigilance.

And what of the apostles? What did it cost them to follow Jesus? Tradition and history tell us that most died martyrs’ deaths. But they counted the cost, and they found Christ worth it.

Can the same be said of us?

Will You Count the Cost?

Where is the man or woman who, at the end of life, regrets serving God? You won’t find one. But there are countless souls who, with their last breath, wish they had lived differently. Countless voices cry from eternity with the sorrow of missed opportunity.

Jesus asked, “For what does it benefit a person to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36). That question should ring in our ears every time the world tempts us. What are we giving up for a moment of pleasure, or ease, or popularity?

The cost of discipleship is real—but so is the reward. Paul said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). That same reward is available to us, if we will only count the cost and follow Him.

Conclusion: Choose Wisely

Sin offers nothing of lasting value. It is temporary and hollow. But Jesus offers eternal life. He calls to you, not with fine print and empty promises, but with clarity and love. He wants you to know what following Him really means—so that your commitment is real and your hope is unshakable.

The cost may seem great—but the reward is greater. Jesus said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me… For My yoke is comfortable, and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30). Compared to the burden of sin, the cost of Christ is a joy.

Will you count the cost? Will you pay the price?

He has already paid everything for you. What will you give in return?

Beyond Words, Into Action

Much has been written and spoken about love. It’s a universal theme in songs, movies, sermons, and daily conversation. But for Christians, love isn’t just an emotion or poetic sentiment—it’s the foundation of our identity. Yet even in the church, love can be misunderstood, reduced to feeling rather than doing.

Jesus called love the “greatest” commandment. When asked what the most important law was, He responded, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment.” (Matthew 22:37–38, NASB). In a world of competing values and distractions, the call remains the same: genuine love for God must be demonstrated—not simply declared.

So how do we show it? What does real love for God and others look like? Let’s examine the source, evidence, and application of divine love in our lives.

---

I. The Source and Nature of Love

Love begins with God. John, the apostle of love, wrote clearly: “We love, because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19, NASB). Our capacity to love is not self-generated—it is a response to divine initiative. God loved us first, fully, and sacrificially. That is the foundation of Christian love.

The purest form of love is self-sacrifice. John also wrote, “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:10, NASB). Love is not proven in words or emotion alone, but in action—especially when that action comes at a cost. The cross is the clearest expression of God’s love for us.

As Paul puts it: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, NASB). Love gives when it doesn’t have to. Love acts when it would be easier to stand still.

---

II. Love Can’t Be Faked: The Test of Sincerity

Jesus exposed the hypocrisy of those who claimed to love God but whose actions told another story. He said, “I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves.” (John 5:42, NASB). They honored God with their lips, but their hearts were far from Him.

We may say we love God, but our lives will ultimately tell the truth. John warned, “Little children, let’s not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” (1 John 3:18, NASB). Love is not just something we say in a worship service or write in a journal. It’s something we prove by how we live, what we prioritize, and how we treat others.

---

III. Evidence of Love for God

So, how can we know we really love God? What are the unmistakable marks of genuine love for Him? The Bible gives us several clear indicators:

1. We Want to Be in His Presence

When you truly love someone, you want to be with them. The Psalmist declared, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, God.” (Psalm 42:1, NASB). Do you long to spend time with God in prayer, in worship, in His Word?

Jesus said, “If anyone loves Me, he will follow My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him.” (John 14:23, NASB). When we love God, His presence becomes our greatest desire—not an obligation, but a joy.

2. We Talk to Him Constantly

Love communicates. Paul said, “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NASB). Do we only speak to God in emergencies or before meals? Or do we, like David, cry out: “I love You, Lord, my strength.” (Psalm 18:1, NASB)? If we love Him, we’ll want to talk to Him—and listen, too.

3. We Listen to His Voice

Jesus said, “My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27, NASB). God speaks through His Word, yet many Christians let their Bibles collect dust. Paul urged Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God… accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, NASB). A loving heart is a listening heart. Do you delight in His Word (Psalm 1:2)? Do you “search the Scriptures daily”? (Acts 17:11)

4. We Love to Be with His People

One of the strongest indicators of love for God is love for others. John wrote, “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers and sisters. The one who does not love remains in death.” (1 John 3:14, NASB).

Do we love our brothers and sisters in Christ enough to spend time with them, encourage them, bear their burdens, and forgive their offenses? Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.” (John 13:35, NASB).

5. We Treasure the Lord’s Supper

Do you value time at the Lord’s table? Jesus commanded, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” (Luke 22:19, NASB). In Acts 20:7, the early church gathered on the first day of the week to break bread. This is not a tradition—it’s an act of love and remembrance. If we truly love the Lord, we will never treat His memorial as optional or mundane.

6. We Obey His Commands

Perhaps the clearest demonstration of love is obedience. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15, NASB). No excuse, no exception, no delay. Love doesn’t argue or negotiate with God. It yields.

Obedience isn’t legalism. It’s love in motion. Just as children show respect for their parents through compliance, we honor our Father by trusting and obeying His will.

---

IV. A Love That Transforms

The love of God is not simply something we receive—it is something we reflect. When God’s love fills our hearts, it changes everything: our habits, our speech, our relationships, our values. We cannot walk in love and walk in darkness at the same time.

Paul prayed for the church to be “rooted and grounded in love” (Ephesians 3:17, NASB), and that same love would empower them to grasp the fullness of God’s plan. When love takes root, it bears fruit.

Love is not passive. It moves us to action: to forgive enemies (Matthew 5:44), serve one another (Galatians 5:13), support the weak (Romans 15:1), and carry the message of the gospel to the lost (2 Corinthians 5:14).

---

Love That Answers the Call

Jesus’ love took Him to the cross. Our love must take us to obedience, surrender, and sacrifice. “The love of Christ controls us… so that those who live would no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose on their behalf.” (2 Corinthians 5:14–15, NASB).

Do you love Him? Really love Him?

If so, show it—every day, with your life, not just your lips. Make your worship genuine. Let your service be joyful. Let your study be consistent. Let your compassion be radical. Let your obedience be immediate.

John asked it plainly: “The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:8, NASB)

Love is not just what we say—it’s who we are when Christ lives in us.