Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today is Saturday October 3, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Matthew, please read chapters 7-9 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.readytofollow.com/bible-october-3

Today's Message: True Followers of Christ
The path that leads to eternal life is more than just joining a church, paying tithes, or helping others, as good as these acts are. True followers of Christ are not perfect, but accept and follow Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives.

Jesus, who is God's Word in the flesh, gives us simple, yet direct instructions on how we are to live for God and have a right relationship with Him. It's not science, it's not complicated, it's literally told so a child can understand it. The problem is that there are so many different religions out there that everyone thinks they are right with God and going to heaven. Sadly, this is not the case and Jesus addresses those whom are being deceived. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13,14. What Jesus is saying here is that many will be deceived into thinking that they will get into the gate of the Kingdom of Heaven. This is an analogy of entering into a city, at the entrance of the city the road is very wide, the more you go into it, the narrower it becomes until it becomes a narrow walk at the door leading into your own home, which should be where Christ lives. If we are not living by God's Word we will be deceived and destruction is inevitable.

To explain this further, Jesus gives a firm warning to those whom are preaching and teaching against God's Word as well as those whom are playing the motions of being a Christian. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.......... Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” -Matthew 7:15,21-23. There are many whom claim all they do is from God, yet they are deceiving many. Those miraculous healings, those speakings of tongues, and even those preaching of the Gospel are literally sending many people to hell because of their ability to draw in those whom are looking for miracles. Jesus does not stop there, He includes all those whom go to church, give tithes, and volunteer to help others. Without a doubt, eternal life is a free gift from God, but it's not given by our works, it's given freely to those who call on Jesus and accept that He gave His life for them. So, unless a person has personally called on Jesus, asked Him for forgiveness, and accepted that He is the Only Begotten Son of God who shed His blood and died to save all from spending eternity in hell, then God will not recognize him/her.

So, how can you know that you are being deceived? Jesus explains, “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” - Matthew 7:24-27. The key to these verses is “ whosoever heareth these sayings” The only way to know if you are being deceived is by hearing His Word, which can only be achieved by reading His written Word for yourself. I am not talking about books claiming to be Bibles or books that tell you what His Word means, I am talking about the True Word of God that is only found in the Bible. If what these people are preaching and teaching does not line up with God's Word than you are being deceived.

Obedience to God is twofold: First, one heareth these sayings of Mine, and then one acts on these sayings of Mine. The wise and the foolish are both giving much thought and labor to their activities, one to laying up treasures in heaven, but the other to achieving human goals. When our desire is to please Christ, His Word will be the supreme rule of life and will lead us to avoid the snares of self-will, pride, and greed. Through His Word alone, guided by the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to live each day being accountable to our Creator, yet blessed as we see His promises fulfilled in our lives.

Today's Prayer:

Dear God,

Lord, I am thankful for the inspiration of the Holy Scriptures that provide an objective and accurate guide for every season of my life. The Bible is a lamp unto my feet and a light for the path that lies before me. It teaches, convicts, corrects, and trains me to have a perfect relationship with You. Though many will choose other authorities to guide their lives, I choose Your Holy Book to equip me for the works You’ve called me to do in Your Name. I rely on its inspired texts to sustain me in my lifetime commitment to walk in Your ways as I travel the Bible Road that leads to eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven. In Jesus' name..........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and enjoy the rest of your week.
God Bless You,
Christina

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