Keeping the Faith
Another post from my friend Paul...
Many years ago a man named John Bunyan was in jail, locked up for the way he had openly been expressing his Christian faith. He was just a poor simple tradesman but in that jail he penned a short book that has become legendary and has encouraged countless Christians to 'stay the path ' that leads to righteousness. The book is all about staying on the path the Lord has set out for us instead of being led astray.
This concept comes straight from the bible and is reiterated many times. And it is of vital importance to young adults, who represent the largest 'drop off ' group in the church, with up to 80% walking away from their faith.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:13-14, "Broad is the road that leads to destruction... But narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." How do we stay on the narrow path?
Both Isaiah 2:3 and Micah 4:2 tell us, "The Lord will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths."
There are many things that will lead us astray. The desire to make lots of money to buy flash cars and big houses has led many astray, thinking things like, "My heart belongs to Jesus and that's enough; he wouldn't deny me the fruit of my labour."
Or stupid, self-serving teachings have led astray many young people to focus on a charismatic personality, who is not actually grounded in the gospel and so misuses God's word and creates a sect. Invariably this house of cards comes crashing to the ground and leaves its members disillusioned and with a destroyed faith.
Or sexual temptations, being drawn away by our out of control emotional desires , where we become hooked at our weakest point and choose this 'love ' over God's love. This is often a big wide fork in the road.
How do we stay on the path? By walking with the Lord...He promises to teach us his ways. But we never walk with someone in silence. If we have a real relationship then we talk as we walk. We unload our burdens and we listen to our Master. We are uplifted with encouragement, "Were not our hearts burning within us as He talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:32).
We are shaped, corrected, matured with His focus and purpose for our lives, to stay on track.
"Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path " Psalm 119:105.
Blessings Paul.
Many years ago a man named John Bunyan was in jail, locked up for the way he had openly been expressing his Christian faith. He was just a poor simple tradesman but in that jail he penned a short book that has become legendary and has encouraged countless Christians to 'stay the path ' that leads to righteousness. The book is all about staying on the path the Lord has set out for us instead of being led astray.
This concept comes straight from the bible and is reiterated many times. And it is of vital importance to young adults, who represent the largest 'drop off ' group in the church, with up to 80% walking away from their faith.
Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:13-14, "Broad is the road that leads to destruction... But narrow is the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." How do we stay on the narrow path?
Both Isaiah 2:3 and Micah 4:2 tell us, "The Lord will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths."
There are many things that will lead us astray. The desire to make lots of money to buy flash cars and big houses has led many astray, thinking things like, "My heart belongs to Jesus and that's enough; he wouldn't deny me the fruit of my labour."
Or stupid, self-serving teachings have led astray many young people to focus on a charismatic personality, who is not actually grounded in the gospel and so misuses God's word and creates a sect. Invariably this house of cards comes crashing to the ground and leaves its members disillusioned and with a destroyed faith.
Or sexual temptations, being drawn away by our out of control emotional desires , where we become hooked at our weakest point and choose this 'love ' over God's love. This is often a big wide fork in the road.
How do we stay on the path? By walking with the Lord...He promises to teach us his ways. But we never walk with someone in silence. If we have a real relationship then we talk as we walk. We unload our burdens and we listen to our Master. We are uplifted with encouragement, "Were not our hearts burning within us as He talked with us on the road and opened the scriptures to us?" (Luke 24:32).
We are shaped, corrected, matured with His focus and purpose for our lives, to stay on track.
"Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path " Psalm 119:105.
Blessings Paul.
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