Tag Archives: eternity

I have a soul

 

Phil Wickham ~ Song In My Soul ft. Hollyn

 

One of the experiences that happens when I am in a place of solitude and silence is I discover I have a soul. That is a big deal, especially the first time as I am not too sure I knew I had one. My life is based on a sense of unity when I go through these moments.

For what can a man give in return for his soul?  – Mark 8:37 ESV

What does it mean for my soul to be lost? I think it means that my life does not have a centre that organizes my activities. I cannot have that centre until my soul returns to God and God restores my soul.

Nothing in this world is worth exchanging my life for. That is where my life is. Why would I want to make anything in this world a priority for me? As a follower of Jesus, a disciple, faithfulness to Him and living for Him does not only richly reward my life now but for all eternity. What would lead a person to give this up?

I do not think that Jesus meant to threaten anyone with the loss of eternal life and the recipient of going into hell for all eternity. I think Jesus is revealing the wisdom of making a total commitment to Him. Following Him may begin with a rather simple commitment, but Jesus makes it clear that it ultimately leads to deeper commitments, even absolute surrender. I know it is my natural tendency to preserve my life, yet I cannot come away from Jesus’ words without knowing that I am committed to giving up my right in this physical world in light of the expectation of gaining a rich reward to cherish for all eternity.

There is a cost to following Jesus and Jesus reminds me of the value of my soul. It is the most valuable possession I have and there is nothing in this world worth the value of my soul.

Standard

Big difference

 

There is a big difference between living as a disciple and just being called a Christian. I should know because I lived the first four years of my life as a Christian before making the decision to become a follower.

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. – Romans 10:9  ESV

It was an important, eternity changing decision – to turn from my old way of living and welcoming Jesus into every part of my life.  There is something powerful in the confessing, believing and proclaiming.

Believing is the first step to growing as a disciple of Jesus. Believing Jesus as my Saviour and Lord. Believing the cross was the instrument used to provide payment for my sin. Believing in the resurrection of Jesus as my living Lord. Belief is trust.

Now, as a disciple, I am filled by the Holy Spirit and am sent for a purpose – to tell this good news.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?[c] And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. – Romans 10:14-17  ESV

This good news was offered to me and now I have the honour of offering it to everyone. Making disciples comes from my own faith. It is about continuing the cycle of redemption – passing on the faith that was passed to me.

 

 

Standard