REAL CHRISTIANS OBEY THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST!
A few centuries after Jesus returned to heaven to be with God, a great travesty happened. A Roman emperor made Christianity the official religion and from then on, the church began to receive people into the church who professed Christianity but did not obey Jesus’s teachings.
My goal with this message is to encourage people to consider the teachings and example of Christ and to follow him in obedience.
In the book of Matthew Jesus calls us to love him and obey him and keep God’s commandments. He expects us to love our spouses for life. He calls us to love our enemies. He asks us not to take oaths. He teaches that we should not hoard up wealth but rather to share with the poor. He asks us to deny ourselves and give to others. As followers of Jesus’ way, we can obey his teachings with a heart of faith and love. This can generally characterize our lives, even if we don’t do it perfectly.
If we realize that we have not followed a teaching of Christ, we can repent, and God will forgive us for not following his messenger. If we fail or disobey, we are not condemned. The Apostle John tells us that we have an advocate with God through Christ when we sin. Jesus is in the business of making us into people who want to obey God’s will and His word. The beautiful message of the Gospel is that we can be transformed from the inside out.
Perhaps you are aware that the younger generation is disillusioned with a version of Christianity that is propositional but not practical. They are disappointed with people who profess Christianity yet live like those who do not know Jesus. They are looking to you and me for a genuine Christianity that takes God’s words seriously. Most people are not looking for Christians to be perfect, but sincere. They are looking for people who are making a diligent attempt to follow Christ’s teachings and who will repent when they realize that they are not following his examples.
Here in America, people have developed all sorts of conclusions about salvation, obedience, works, faith, eternal security, etc. that are not based on the truths that Jesus lived and taught.
Here are some of the things Jesus had to say on this topic. When we read verses like these, it is important that we don’t minimize the things Jesus said. Instead we should be willing to cast our lot with Christ in helping to proclaim his teachings around the world.
May God’s grace be upon you as you love and serve God’s messengers; Moses, Christ and Muhammad (Peace and Blessings be upon them all)!