John 8: 31-32

Matt Deaville

Matthew 7: 21-23
(further scripture references John 14: 7, 15, 21-24, John 15: 7-8)

Theres a few musts in life, absolutes, things that we just have to say "you have to do this or the consequences are catastrophic"

As Christians we're recommended to do things all the time, by friends, from the front of a service, but we cannot afford to take lightly the word of God. We must take it literally!

There's hundreds of occasions where God lays out commands, which for Christians are not optional extras, they're essentials ! Here's a couple, and for me scriptures like these set the standard of what it is to be a Christian.

John 8: 31 says "If you abide in my word you are my disciples." The word disciple strongly involves following, so does the word abiding. Jesus says if you say that you're following me you must follow what my word says, live by it!!

I challenge young Christians all the time if you dare to say you're a Christian this is a benchmark.

Similarly and more scarily Jesus said in Matthew 7: 22 "many will say to me we casted out demons in your name, prophesied, and did many wonders in your name" and Jesus replies "depart from me I never knew you, you who practice lawlessness"

"Many" means that there will be a lot of people who thought they were doing the right thing but never made it.

So how do we ensure that we are not part of the many. The second part of Matthew 7: 21 gives us the answer "but he who does the will of my Father in Heaven." How do you do that? You follow Him, you know Him, you obey His commands (you abide in His word).

Daniel 11: 32 says those that know their God shall be strong and do great expolits!

The key is all about knowing Jesus !!

If Jesus came around to your house would you have to ask Him how many sugars He took. Those that walk with Him know Him well, what His will is, what He would want to do if He showed up at your house, in the same way that you know how many sugars your best friend does or doesn't take.

Know Him and live !!