“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” (Mark 8:34).

We can glibly throw these words around, but it’s very obvious that the majority of Christians don’t understand what Messiah Jesus meant by this statement. Some people think that their cross is disease or a rebellious child. Those things are difficult to deal with but aren’t a choice and they affect both Christian and non-Christian alike. Following Jesus is a choice.

When you take up your cross and follow Him, you must be prepared to be persecuted, maltreated, and even prepared to die for the Lord. There’s no middle ground and no putting   Jesus on a shelf until you have time for Him. The “here and now” may be difficult, but the eternal rewards are worth denying your selfish desires and carnal lusts and following Jesus.

As the born-again children of God, we need to resemble Him, not the world. Obviously as we look at the ekklēsia of Christ today, this concept is foreign to many professing Christians. We see pew-sitters who don’t seem to have taken up their cross to follow our Lord. When we accept Christ a change should begin to take place. Sinful lusts should no longer rule our lives as we draw closer to Jesus. When you accept Christ you belong to Him.

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” (Titus 2:11-14)

The Greek word “periousios” is translated into English as ”peculiar” and actually means “possession.” We all have possessions that we value, but would you die for those possessions? Brothers and sisters, Christ values His possessions (His ekklēsia) more than you value anything you possess. He died to purchase your redemption.

“And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” (Colossians 2:13-15)

Your sins were nailed to the cross and by His shed blood He became the once for all sacrifice for salvation. Satan, principalities, and powers no longer own you. Jesus gave His life for your redemption from sin, so if you have accepted His free gift of salvation then you owe Him more than lip service. Temptations will always come along. Old friends will want you to join them in old ways, but if you have truly accepted Christ then you need to be strong and turn away from sinful ways. Be ashamed of sinful lusts, but don’t be ashamed of Christ.

“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began.” (2 Timothy 1:8-9)

Jesus was fully God, but He was also fully human and faced everything that we face, including temptations. Christians are called with a holy calling to stand firm on His precepts. That means we do nothing that would move us to the dark side. When temptation crosses your path, pray and turn to God. Don’t compromise your faith, but stand firm on the gospel.

This world is a dark and dangerous place if you don’t have the Light. Jesus is the Light of the world. Satan loves darkness because it’s easy for people to stumble in the dark. Those who reject Jesus Christ live in the darkness of their sin. God says have no fellowship with unrighteousness, period. We have to live in this fallen world, but we aren’t to be a part of the evil ways of secular people. Preach the truth to them? Absolutely. But fellowship with them in a personal way? Never

“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore partakers with them. For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:6-8)

Those of us who have accepted Christ were all once a part of the darkness of this world, but that’s all in the past and we are forgiven. Once we came to the cross the Light of the Lord is in  us and we are to walk in that Light and stay away from the darkness that Satan casts upon the world. Everything we do in this life must reflect Messiah Jesus. Never are we to choose evil, no matter how appealing or self-satisfying that evil may appear. Temporary “pleasure” can    never satisfy like the eternal joy of the Lord.

We are His holy children and standing firm on God’s Word is never suggested, but always expected. If we allow our thoughts to wander into lustful thinking our actions will soon follow. Keep your mind and heart turned towards Jesus.

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16)

Peter quoted verses from Leviticus in which God declares His holiness. “Holy” means to be set apart, and as believers in Christ we are set apart for God. This holiness includes being set apart from the secular world. This doesn’t mean to become a hermit and live in a cave, or crawl off to join a cloistered monastery (which isn’t biblical).

We can’t share the gospel if we don’t have contact with the lost souls of this world. Being holy means we are devoted to God “… in all manner of conversation,” which means in the way we live. Since we belong to Him we are to abide in Him as He abides in us.

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” (John 15:4)

It’s easy to fall back into the secular world and participate in sinful activities if you don’t stay close to Jesus. He is the vine from whom we draw strength to overcome worldly temptations. Satan rules this world and wants you to fail. As soon as he or one of his minions sees that you’re finding your cross a little too burdensome to bear and are moving away from living a godly life, he will be sure temptations are in place to make you stumble.

Stay close to God and away from worldly lusts. We aren’t to be isolated from secular people, but we can’t be good witnesses for Christ if we don’t live holy lives that are different from the ways of the world. Sadly, the descent by Christians into the wickedness of the world is more common than it should be.

Most Christians live in a similar fashion to those who are lost. Songs that are listened to, movies that are watched, manner of dress, and lifestyles that are embraced all point to the fact that many who claim to be Christian refuse to take up their cross to follow Jesus.

We live at a time where faithfulness isn’t important to most Christians. If “being a Christian” serves a person’s own interests then that’s great. If not, then secular Christians choose secular ways which are actually inspired by Satan. They drop their cross and run to the darkness. Divided loyalties don’t honor God. As God’s children we are to be faithful to Him at all times. God is not a part-time God and His children aren’t to be part-time children.

Taking up your cross isn’t always easy. It certainly wasn’t easy for Jesus to bear His cross. He left heaven knowing full well what He would face, but He did it because He loves you. Only God’s pure blood, which was shed as the once for all sacrifice to take away sin, will bring salvation. This is a free gift, but like any gift it must be accepted.

“Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:1-2)

If you’ve come to realize that you’re a sinner and only the blood of Jesus can bring salvation, then turn from the ways of the world. Separate from the people who encourage you to make choices that are opposed to God’s ways. Begin living to please God not the world. Sanctification is a process. First there is justification, that’s when you accept the free gift of salvation that’s only through Jesus Christ.

Once the gift is accepted by you, you begin the process of sanctification, which is the day by day choices we make to shoulder our cross and live for Jesus. You can’t play by the rules if you don’t read the rule book…study your Bible. Study your Bible. I’ll say it again, study your Bible. Learn to make decisions based on God’s ways, not by relying on secular people to help you make choices.

Sanctification is a process that will continue until the day of your glorification. That’s when you die or are raptured. When you stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ you will be judged, but not condemned.

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1)

Your selfish actions will be burned up in fire, but the things you did for Christ will be rewarded. No sin in this life can bring more pleasure than the heavenly crowns you earn by living for Christ today. Make choices that affect your eternal life by choosing to follow Jesus.

Don’t delay. Take up your cross and follow Jesus.

 

God bless you all,

 

Ron and Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com

 

All original Scripture is “theopneustos” (God breathed).

This commentary was started by Ron Graham before his death on March 14, 2013, and finished by his wife, Nathele Graham.

In the book of Revelation we read about God’s wrath being poured out, and it’s easy to be shocked at the violence of the judgment during the Great Tribulation. The angels of God know Him to be fair. They sang as He laid the foundation of the earth and they sang at Jesus’ birth and they know how much God loves His creation. John was shown the future and he saw the angels pour out God’s wrath and heard them proclaim God’s righteousness.

“And I heard the angel of the waters say, Thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be, because thou has judged thus. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink; for they are worthy. And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.” (Revelation 16:5-7)

God is righteous and always gives us warnings prior to judgment, and it is also a way to avoid His wrath. This is still a future event, and you can still avoid God’s wrath. God’s wrath and judgment will soon come upon the whole earth.

Is there anyone you think deserves to go through this judgment? In truth we all deserve God’s wrath because of sin. We  are all sinners. Read to this carefully: The only way to escape God’s judgment is to accept the only way of salvation. Only faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ makes a person worthy to avoid God’s judgment.

All roads don’t lead to salvation, good works aren’t enough, and nobody is “good enough” to stand before God Almighty at the Great White Throne. Only through faith in Jesus Christ are  you worthy to either be with Jesus after you die, or to be called Home if the Rapture happens prior to your death.

Your eyes might be blinded and your ears plugged, but the things that are happening around the world, and specifically happening to Israel, are telling us that the end-time events are quickly coming to pass. Study prophecy. Christians haven’t replaced Israel, but are a special group of humans who have chosen to follow Christ.

“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus…There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26, 28)

Christians will be raptured prior to God’s wrath. The nation of Israel is blinded to the fact that Jesus is the promised Messiah but during the Great Tribulation they will recognize Him. They will finally understand that He had already come in the human form of  Yĕhowshuwa`…Jesus the Christ. Salvation comes only through Him.

In ancient times God spoke through prophets to warn the Jewish northern and southern kingdoms against looming captivity, and also warned Gentiles. Amos prophesied against Damascus, Tyrus, and other Gentiles that had come against Israel, and we know Jonah took a message to Nineveh.

The Old Testament centers on Israel but God didn’t ignore the Gentiles. God called Abraham   out of the nations and began His plan of salvation by choosing the lineage that would give birth to the Messiah. Today we know that our Savior was born from the tribe of Judah (as prophecy foretold), was born of a virgin (as prophecy foretold), and was crucified (as prophecy foretold).

Prophecy has been fulfilled in the past, and as we watch the news we can see end-time prophecies are being fulfilled today. Whether you have Jewish or Gentile roots, end-time prophecies affect you. God gave the only way to avoid His wrath.

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)

Heed this warning and repent. Will it turn God’s judgment away from an entire nation? Jonah was sent to tell the Gentiles in Nineveh that God’s judgment was about to fall on them. Jonah really wanted God to give them what they deserved instead of showing mercy. These people were vicious and evil, but because Jonah spoke God’s warning to them the king and all the people repented and their judgment was delayed for 100 years.

We need people today who aren’t afraid to share God’s Word with others. Only faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ brings salvation. A nation filled with unashamed Christians is blessed. Just as seen in Nineveh, leadership of a nation matters. The leadership of the nations in today’s world are secular and don’t respect God Almighty.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” (Psalm 33:12)

This is speaking about Israel, but it is true is for all nations. What about the United States? There are many people here who claim to be Christians, but by looking at the mess this nation is in it’s obvious that very few live their faith. The leadership of America has sunken into pure evil. Satan has been working to destroy America and his patience is paying off.

In 1962 prayer was removed from school, in 1963 the Bible was also removed from schools and in 1973 abortion (human sacrifice) was legalized. In 1980 the Ten Commandments were removed from public places. Look back at American history since 1962 and be ashamed.

Drug abuse opens a person’s mind to demons, sexual “freedom” spreads disease and promotes abortion, and now homosexuality is condoned and same sex marriage was legalized in 2015. Today the Bible is banned from schools, but Satan clubs are welcomed. Parents, be aware of what your children are being exposed to in the name of “tolerance.” Your children are more influenced by what they are taught in public school than what they learn in Sunday school. You do take them to Sunday school, don’t you? Teach your children to honor God in spite of what this satanic world condones.

The United States is a nation that has been blessed by God but has turned against Him. An election will soon take place that is crucial, and Christians must pray to make the right choice. Before you vote, look at the history behind each candidate. Donald Trump is a successful businessman with proven leadership abilities, but has made mistakes. He has little tact, but what he says lets you know where he stands.

A recording from many years ago has been dug up that contained some crude talk about women, but recently he claims to have accepted Christ for salvation. This should begin to change his attitude. Men, have you ever said similar things? If you’ve accepted Christ then your attitude since then should have changed.

Women, I’ve heard much the same talk in secular circles. Such behavior should never be condoned, but be careful about what you base your vote on. What about Hillary? Her husband was president and the shenanigans in the Oval Office went far beyond thoughtless words.

She stood by him, thereby condoning his actions. There are claims of rape against him, illegitimate children, and there’s a long trail of criminal activity surrounding these two people who resemble Ahab and Jezebel. What about domestic troubles and foreign policy? She supports abortion. We certainly don’t need any more liberal ideology in the White House.

What’s her stand on Israel? She’s ill, so what will happen when her “pneumonia” (more likely Parkinson’s disease) comes back on her when North Korea or Russia attacks? Will she ignore it like she did the Benghazi attack? I’m concerned for America because Hillary is high in the polls. Vote wisely. Pray. God exists outside of time and knows what will happen. That’s why Bible prophecy is accurate.

“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” (Revelation 1:8)

Is it too late for national repentance? We live in times that were foretold so don’t be ignorant of end-times prophecies disclosed by Scripture. Daniel was given quite an interesting prophecy regarding the end-times and Jesus answered a question from His disciples regarding the end of the age by revealing events that will happen during Daniel’s 70th week.

Read Revelation beginning in chapter 6 and you’ll see a very graphic description of the horrors to come. Is there any good news in this? Yes! The Rapture will happen prior to Daniel’s 70th week. The only way to avoid the outpouring of God’s wrath during the Great Tribulation is to accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior today. Some people like to say that those of us who believe that the Pre-Trib Rapture will take us away from the wrath of God are living in denial. Wrong. There’s a big difference between “persecution” and “The Great Tribulation.” Persecution has been going on since Jesus walked this earth, but the Great Tribulation will be far worse. Again, read Revelation beginning in chapter 6 and read what those who have rejected Christ will face.

“For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 5:9)

Praise God for His promises.

Never neglect studying Old Testament Scripture. It’s true that Israel is the apple of God’s eye, but Christians can learn from His warnings. Looking back in Scripture we learn that we are to avoid sins, such as idolatry, sexual impurity, pride, and so forth. If you say you’re a Christian you need to seek Him…you bear His name.

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

This was written to the nation of Israel but we need to pay attention. God is also aware of what Gentiles do. The Assyrian capital of Nineveh was filled with evil, but God sent Jonah to preach truth to them. Because the king and all the people heeded God’s Word and turned from their wicked ways, God’s judgment on that nation was delayed.

One by one individuals can repent and turn from wickedness and a nation can be changed. Christians are one Body in Christ and wherever we live we need to heed the above verse. Humility is important as we seek God and live to please Him. Christians are forgiven and are saved by grace, but the wickedness of sin still comes between our fellowship with God.

We cannot be right with God while living like the world. Turn from your wicked ways and let God rule your life. If every person who claims to be a Christian would make decisions that honor God and live life accordingly it would certainly bring healing to our nation.

Is national repentance possible? Only if those who claim to be Christians put Christ first, repent of sin, and turn from their wicked ways. May God heal this nation.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

www.straitandnarrowministry.com

ron@straitandnarrowministry.com