29
Sep '25
Christianity without Change?
29
Sep '25
Introduction: Can someone be FORGIVEN without FOLLOWING Jesus Christ? Is there such a thing as having a RELIGION without a RELATIONSHIP? Perhaps you have known or know someone who wants to “GO to HEAVEN” when they die but does NOT want to do things God’s way in order to get there. Such is the case before us in today’s devotion. What would you say? How would you have handled this situation? Think back to conversations that you have had in the past with someone else about eternal life and going to heaven after death. Let’s learn from this lesson from the Master Teacher and Savior of the world concerning true conversions versus false bargainings.
1. There will be those SEARCHING but not SERIOUS! (Mark 10:17) – “And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?”
Wow! Imagine someone RUNNING to you and pleading with you about BEING SAVED! Most of us would be overtaken with emotions to help whoever it was in this desperate situation, helping them get relief quickly—the sooner the better. Right? But not Jesus. Why not? Because He knew what was in this man’s heart.
Lesson to learn: It is not what is on the OUTSIDE that really matters, rather what is on the INSIDE. Check it out.
2. As a WITNESS we should confront others with the TRUTH that all have missed the mark according to the Word of God! (Mark 10:18–19) – “And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.”
God’s law is like a mirror. It shows all of our flaws. And we have them. But please note, the law does not fix them. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. Truth that we are sinners and truth that He is the only SAVIOR and LOVER of our soul. Forgiveness comes through His REDEEMING blood.
3. There will be those who are BROKEN DOWN and seeking freedom but not willing to BREAK FREE from SIN! (Mark 10:20–22) – “And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.”
I love how JESUS looked right through him to his heart and saw his real idol. And then called him to take up a CROSS {death to self} and follow Him. The “quick fix” faded. The “emotional quest” was erased. The “man-made attempt” was exposed. The “ulterior motives” were uncovered. The “self-made gods” were revealed. Whereas, the path of righteousness was presented. The way for removal of guilt and shame was laid out. The way to heaven was clear.
Conclusion: Sadly, this wealthy young man did not want to TURN from his sin completely. Instead, his GOLD was his god and his silver his savior. Howbeit, for clarification, there are other gods besides money today; i.e., the god of SELF, plus many other idols that take over to POSSESS and RESIDE in a person’s heart—besides permitting JESUS CHRIST to take control.
So beware of a CHRISTIANITY without CHRIST, a RELIGION without a RELATIONSHIP, a CONVERSION without a CHANGE, a GOOD WORKS SALVATION without a GRACE through FAITH REGENERATION… just saying.
And the Church said…
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese