Luke 18:29,30
"Truly I tell you," Jesus replied, "no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times more in this age - and in the age to come, eternal life."
These words were said to the rich young ruler, who had observed the law and obeyed the commandments since he was young (verses 18-28). But Jesus knew this man's heart, as He knows all hearts, and that the man would not be so easily persuaded to give away his treasury. Are we not just as guilty when we refuse to part with whatever we hold most dear to our hearts?
God is the God of Restoration.
Matthew 6:33
"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you."
Matthew 19:29
"And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for the sake of My Name will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life."
Mark 10:29,30
“Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for My sake and for the gospel will fail to receive a hundredfold in the present age—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields, along with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life."
There's your real prosperity gospel. Our souls prosper when we surrender everything we have, leave (the opinions of) everyone we love and give all that we are to His mighty hand. For in His hand is Life and Life Eternal. God wants to be first in our lives. So does everyone else. But only we can make a decision who we will listen to and follow.
We must consider the consequences of our intended direction, taking time out of our busyness to contemplate the results of our actions. This would be the wise action to take. Seldom do we make wise decisions, especially when we are young children or young adults. But God desires us to seek Him out first, whether early in life or early in the day. To put what He wants (His will) ahead of what we want (our own will) for our lives.
LIFE: Job 12:10 & Acts 17:28; Psalm 31:15
DEATH: Ecclesiastes 9:1-6
LIFE ETERNAL: John 1:1-3; John 20:27
DEATH ETERNAL: Revelation 20:14,15
PROSPERITY: 1 Chronicles 29:12
LACK: Philippians 4:11,12
Why does the Bible say 'many are called but few are chosen'? (Matthew 22:14). Because all of us are called to do our part in the kingdom, but not everyone wants to be in this kingdom. Nor does everyone want to do what it takes to serve in this kingdom.
We are all called to salvation. Yet, the path to salvation is narrow. It is the width of a cross. The path to salvation is small. It is the size of a mustard seed. The path to salvation is both old and fresh. The call to be saved through Jesus Christ still rings out, yet the plan of salvation was set in motion when Adam and Eve sinned.
We are all called to serve in this kingdom. In whatsoever capacity God sees fit to use us, that is where we will serve. But wherever we serve God, it will be for the advancement of God's kingdom.
We are all called to love each other like Christ loves us: willingly, wholeheartedly and sacrificially.
For The Sake of The Call - Steven Curtis Chapman
My Portion - Isla Vista Worship
Seek First - Jason Upton
Love You Just Like That - Jason Upton
Magnificent Obsession - Steven Curtis Chapman
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus - Lauren Daigle
