FOLLOW CHRIST

This is the first of what I pray will be daily entries on this page as I study the Bible daily and share my insight from what the Holy Spirit brings to my heart. I study at least a chapter a day and am currently in 1st Peter in the New Testament.

My entry today comes from Chapter 2 of 1st Peter, verses 21b-25. I'm using the New Living Translation as found in a New Testament Bible titled "Knowing Jesus Personally" available through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The passage is as follows:

"Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in His steps. He never sinned and He never deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when He was insulted. When He suffered, He did not threaten to get even. He left His case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly. He personally carried away our sins in His body on the cross so we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. You have been healed by His wounds. Once you were wandering like lost sheep. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls."

I should start this series by saying that I think we make Christianity way too hard. The best evangelists are the ones who stick to the fundamental gospel message: We are all sinners without hope for salvation. We can't save ourselves. Without a Savior, we live each day toward death with no future hope beyond the grave. God, in His love for us...His beloved children, offered up His only Son, Jesus Christ, as a sin sacrifice on the cross. Jesus died on that cross and was buried for three days in the tomb before being resurrected to eternal life, sitting in honor and glory on God's almighty right hand. Through His resurrection, He (Jesus) paved the way for others to follow...those who believe and trust in Him as their personal Lord and Savior (read John 3:16). In this promise, death is not the end but only the glorious beginning of an eternal life free from all the sin, temptation, hardship, pain and suffering we endure in this world.

Question: Do you know Jesus? For to be a Christian, you need to know the One who you are expected to emulate. Peter exhorts us in the passage above to "follow His steps". We can't possibly begin to do that without walking with Him. It won't be a journey without reward, this I can assure you. Won't you take the first step today?

I look forward to journeying with you each day so please visit often and share this with everyone you know. You may be the very one that helps them find their way to eternal life through Jesus.

Until tomorrow, may God bless you in all things.

Mark

PS: Please share this with anyone who needs a bit of God's guidance today. I pray it will be a blessing for them.

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