Christ Disciples

WIth gentleness and respect

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 04:01:00 +0000

I Peter 3:15-16 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

We are commanded to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. Most followers of Christ can quote the Great Commission word-for-word. It does not seem, however, that all Christians know how we are to carry out that command. We are to interact with gentleness and respect.

It is easy to fall into the trap of defending ourselves when we are questioned about our beliefs or when we try to share the gospel and meet criticism. When we become defensive we can easily turn hostile and that is not the way Christ meant His message to be shared. We are not going to win people over if we hit them about the head with the Bible. We're not called to force our beliefs, God did not instruct us to yell or argue people into His kingdom.

While some may believe that the Bible gives no clear example of how to witness and that we're just left to figure that out, the first book of Peter has something to say on the matter. It is clear that we are meant to speak with gentleness and respect. In this, we will be following Christ's example of interaction with unbelievers.

God is with you

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 04:01:00 +0000

Philippians 2:13 for God is at work in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

If you are a believer, God is at work in you. You may be in a situation right now where you feel like God has abandoned you altogether. You don't feel like He even hears you, let alone feel like He's working in you. But the truth is, if you are one of His, you are being used by Him in some capacity.

When you become an adopted child of God the Father by accepting Jesus Christ the Son, you receive the Holy Spirit. This makes you an instrument of God. Please notice that Paul's letter to Philippi does not say that God is working in you to bring about your will or your good pleasure. He is doing a work in you and through you to bring about HIS will. This may be why it doesn't necessarily seem that He is with you at all. We don't always know God's will or how He will accomplish it.

Rest assured that your Father in heaven is doing something through you to bring about His grand scheme. He has a purpose for your life, even if you can't figure it out.

The sin of omission

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 04:01:00 +0000

James 4:17 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

Living out lives as disciples of Christ requires a lot of us. We try so hard not to commit sin in the eyes of the Lord and men, but the truth is we often sin by omission. We do the wrong thing by not doing the right thing.

We pass up many opportunities to show Christ to others and thus do not bring glory to God in that situation. We don't show love, we don't bother ourselves with those in need, we don't get involved. We are all busy with our own lives and no one can blame us for that. Life gets busy. But when we find ourselves intentionally saying no when the Holy Spirit directs us, this act of disobedience is sin.

The life of a Christ Disciple is one of obedience. We must follow the call of the Lord, even when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable. Granted, we will all fall short. No one can live up to the standards God has placed before us. This does not mean, however, that we should not seek to follow the Lord's prompting.

When we know what the right thing to do is, and we pass it up, we are not living in God's will. It is as much a sin to not do what is right as it is to do what is wrong.

The paradox of the cross

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:19:00 +0000

From the blog of Pastor Greg Laurie:

Jesus said that if we are to truly be His disciple we are to "take up our cross daily and follow Him" (Luke 9:23). But what does that mean?
To understand that, we need to understand the meaning of the cross in that time and culture.
The cross has lost most of its original meaning today. It is shrouded in religiousness and mystery. It has become many things, from a religious icon to fashion element.
When we see the cross today, it is a symbol of faith, particularly the Christian faith.
But in the time when Jesus made that statement, He had not yet died on the cross. So, in its original context, the cross was a symbol of death.
In fact, it was the symbol of a very cruel death. The Romans reserved it for the worst criminals. It was a form of torture and humiliation, ultimately leading to a long and painful death.
A radical symbol
Why would He use the cross to illustrate what it meant to follow Him?
Jesus intentionally used a gruesome symbol to get the people's attention. He did this to say that following Him was not "child's play." It is not a game and it is not easy. In fact, it will cost you to follow Him as a disciple.
But, on the other hand, it will cost you more not to follow Him.
What is the cross we are to bear?
What does it mean to "bear the cross" today?
Often, we hear people say that they have a "cross" to bear. They will say, "My cross is my parents!" Their parents would probably say, "Our cross is our children!"
They identify whatever problem or obstacle they have as their "cross to bear." But that is not what the cross means.
To bear the cross is to die to self
The cross symbolizes one thing: dying to self.
It really is a paradox: by "dying to self," or "losing your self," you "find yourself." Through death, you find real life.
What does it mean to "die to self?" So much could be said, but allow me to give you a few practical examples of how this would work in day-to-day living.
To bear the cross means forgiving, instead of harboring that grudge.
It means resisting that temptation to do what everybody else does.
It means not having sex before marriage, and being faithful to your spouse after.
It means putting down the remote control and picking up your Bible.
It means praying when you would rather be sleeping.
It means "swallowing your pride" and telling someone about Jesus.
It means doing what God wants you to do, instead of what you want to do.
Now let me ask you, "Are you dying to yourself and taking up the cross?"
The fact is, when we do this, we experience joy and overflowing life!
Paul summed it up well when he wrote: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
Read more…

What is a disciple?

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 03:19:00 +0000

From the blog of Pastor Greg Laurie:

I thought I would recap a few things from my message on discipleship this last Sunday, in case you missed it.
In the Great Commission, Jesus told us all to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations. But what does that mean to make disciples? And more to the point, what exactly is a disciple?
As I have stated before, every disciple is a Christian, but not every Christian is necessarily a disciple. So, before I can make disciples, I have to be sure that I myself am one, because it takes one to make one.
In Luke 14, Jesus laid out His requirements for discipleship. Let's look at one of them here.
1. The disciple must love Jesus more than anyone or anything else.
Jesus said, "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple" (Luke 14:26).
I know that statement sounds shocking to us today. We ask, "Is Jesus really asking me to hate my family members to follow Him?"
In the light of the New Testament, we see that Jesus was not demanding an unqualified hatred. He could not command us to honor our fathers and mothers and then also demand that we hate them.
He could not command husbands to love their wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for her, and then advise them to hate them. He could not tell His followers to love their enemies and hate them at the same time.
The fact is that we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, and love one another as Christ has loved us. That is what Scripture teaches.
How can I hate and love at the same time?
So what gives with this statement about hating father, mother, wife, children, etc.?
Jesus was using the method of sharp contrasts, essentially saying that your love for God must be so strong, so intense, that all other loves would be like hatred in comparison.
Another way to say it would be, "If you want to really be My disciple, and live your Christian life to its fullest, you must love Me more than anyone or anything else!"
Again, more than anything or anyone else. You must love God more than your career or your possessions. You must love God more than your friends. You must love God even more than your family!
You might say, "My marriage is the most important thing in my life! My wife/husband is my No. 1 priority!"
As noble as that sounds, it is the wrong No. 1 priority. Marriage is important, but it should not be the most important thing in your life.
Jesus should be.
The fact is that when you make Jesus the center of your life, you will be a better spouse.
Others might say, "Our children are the center of our life!" Listen, Jesus should be the center of your life! In fact, if you want to ruin your children, make them the center of your life.
The best thing we can do for our children is to show them how to make Jesus the Center of their lives because He is the center of yours.
That's what a disciple does. More on this tomorrow.
Read more…

Relationships - Part III

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 04:01:00 +0000

Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

In the business of relationships, there are few more important lessons to be applied than this one principle. We often think of it in terms of how we should treat our friends, but in fact we should apply it to how we treat our enemies and strangers as well. In some cases, this type of behavior actually wins over enemies and turn them into friends.

Treating others as we would have them treat us does not just mean that we ought to be polite and "nice". This concept is far reaching in the world. When someone is hungry, we the Church should be the ones to feed them. When the world is thirsty, we should provide them with the water they need. When someone is hurting, to treat them as we would like to be treated is to help them through their suffering.

Our influence on the world often depends on the image of Christ that we portray. If we don't even care about those in need, how can the world view the Church as a viable solution to their problems? Will they seek out Jesus if His people don't treat them well?

Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ?

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 21:40:00 +0000

From the blog of Pastor Greg Laurie:

Are you a disciple of Jesus Christ?

That question is the topic of my message tonight in Orange County.
It is my belief that every disciple is a believer, but not every believer is necessarily a disciple.
So what exactly is a disciple of Jesus? We will look at that together this Thursday and also Sunday at Harvest.
Time to grow up
The reason we need to know about discipleship is because Jesus told us to "go into all the world and make disciples . . . " (Matthew 28:19).
But how can I make one if I am not one myself? It takes one to make one. It's called "growing up" spiritually.
The Christian life is more than simply praying a prayer and getting "fire insurance." It's following Him, not only as your Savior but also as your Lord.
He wants to not only be your friend, but also your God. And some don't seem to see that.
No prolonged infancies
Paul tells us in Ephesians 4 that God gave us pastors, teachers, and evangelists to help us mature and be equipped for the work of ministry. As one translation puts it:
"No prolonged infancies among us, please. We'll not tolerate babes in the woods, small children who are an easy mark for impostors. God wants us to grow up to know the whole truth and tell it in love—like Christ in everything" (Ephesians 4:14-15 THE MESSAGE).
I like that term "No prolonged infancies."
Some believers are "stunted in their growth." Well, it's time to grow up!
We will look at that together.
Read more…

Don't Worry, Pray

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:28:00 +0000

I felt led to share this message from Pastor Greg Laurie out of California. As you read it, consider how this applies to your life.

Why should we pray? There are many things I could say in response, but here is another reason why.
Prayer is the way by which God helps us to overcome our anxiety and worry.
We all know that life is full of troubles. We all struggle with concerns about our health, safety, family, finances, etc.
In light of that, what should we do? Answer: Pray!
It's been said, "If your knees are shaking, kneel on them!"
God's cure for worry
So, the next time you are suddenly gripped with worry, turn it into a prayer.
The apostle Paul reminds us, "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
Peace guaranteed
Notice that Paul doesn't say, "Pray about everything . . . if you do this, your problems will go away." Rather, it says, "If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand."
Now that is not to say that God cannot or will not remove your problem (or problems) because He sometimes does just that. But often, He will give us His strength and peace in the midst of the problem. In other words, we are able to put things into the proper perspective.
If you have a "Big God"–by which I mean that you see God for who He really is–you will have "small problems."
It comes down to this:
Big God/small problems
Big problems/small God

Relationships - Part II

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 04:01:00 +0000

James 1:19.20 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

In dealing with others, it is important that we don't put our desires above theirs. Most relationship problems stem from selfishness in some form on one or both sides. One way we can accomplish this task of putting others first is to simply pause when we feel the need to speak. All too often problems arise because someone just did not listen. God's Word tells us that we should be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry". This is probably some of the greatest relationship advice ever given.

Our words can build up or destroy others that we interact with. We can be a good example of Christ's love or we can turn people away from God because of the way we've treated them. In listening and pausing, we will choose our words more wisely and be less likely to say hurtful things. It's our selfishness that so often drives us to be the one to speak first and speak hastily.

Our relationships will benefit from us thinking before speaking and listening before reacting. This is all part of putting others first, loving our neighbors as we love ourselves, and treating others as we would like to be treated.

Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.

Relationships - Part I

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 04:01:00 +0000

James 4:1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you?

There are many things that can start fights among those with whom we have a relationship. From lies to hurt feelings, we can often feel the need to stand up for ourselves or to put right what's been wronged. But the Bible says that fights begin within because of our own desires battling. Our inward battles manifest in quarrels with others. To state it simply, fights start because we are selfish.

This may seem far fetched at first hearing it. But another look will reveal to us that we fight with others because we struggle for power or purpose. We seek something for ourselves and therefore we aim to get it by fighting. There is nothing necessarily wrong with wanting power or purpose, but what we do in order to achieve them can indeed be sinful. The words we use in battle against others can tear them down and steal from them. Even if we gain what we were trying to get for ourselves, it leaves a void. We do not fill the hole by fighting with others. In fact, we do the opposite and create more holes, holes in our relationships.

It's no secret that God is fond of relationships. Jesus spoke many times of our relationships with others. It's clear that our interactions with others are more important than many other things we place at the top of our priorities. In that, it seems that we are being resistant to God.

Are you fighting often? Does it seem that everyone around you just doesn't treat you right? Take a look at your desires and your priorities and decide whether you may be seeking the wrong things.

Pray first, then act

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:01:00 +0000

Isaiah 55:8-9 "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

It's a point that, though it seems obvious, needs to be made from time to time: we are not God. We may think we know all about God and we may think we can judge for ourselves what His thoughts are, but in reality we have no authority to judge such things. It isn't enough to say that God's ways are higher than ours and His thoughts are higher than ours because "higher" just doesn't give a clear picture of how exponentially greater God is than us.

When we start to make decisions based on what we think is right, without consulting the Lord, we take a dangerous step toward being outside His will. Making assumptions as to God's thoughts based on what we know is arrogant at best. Prayer is not meant to be a last resort when all else fails. If God's Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path (Psalm 119:105) then it must go before us. It cannot light the way from behind.

We must never assume that we know God's will. We must always go to Him first and ask in which direction He wants us to move. Many times we will be surprised to find that what we thought was right is not His answer. Our God is not a god who can be figured out. And if He was, He would not be a God worth serving.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Tempted by the fruit

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 04:01:00 +0000

Genesis 3:6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.(emphasis added)

So often we'd love to blame our sins on others. So often it would be easy to point to a circumstance or another person and claim that it was their fault that we sinned. In most cases, no one would blame us for doing so. It would be an accepted excuse, and everyone would move on. But we know the truth inside of us. We wanted to sin.

It's no secret that sin is desirable. We wouldn't do it if it didn't look like it would gain us pleasure or some other good feeling. Sin looks good on the outside. It's on the inside that it's rotten to the core. But we don't consider that rotten inside when we're tempted, our eyes glaze over at the sight of that glimmering appearance. We want it.

Eve wanted to eat the apple in the Garden of Eden. We blame Satan for the first sin, and he certainly was at fault for tempting Eve, that's what he does. He lies, he sugar-coats sin, he makes the rotten look desirable. But Eve wanted the apple. She knew it was off limits but she knew that eating the apple would gain her knowledge, and she ate it. Likewise, Adam did no protesting. Not only did he not try to talk Eve out of taking that bite, he also had a bite of his own. The first man and the first woman did not just sin because Satan showed up. They wanted the pleasure. Satan just talked them into it.

The only way we can truly remain guiltless when temptation presents itself is to humble ourselves before God and resist the devil, and he will flee from us (James 4:7).

Ephesians 6:13 Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

It's all about Him

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 04:01:00 +0000

Romans 11:36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.

Our lives do not belong to us. These bodies in which we dwell are on loan from God. In fact, all things in this life are from Him. We can never repay the Lord for all He has given us.

Likewise, all things are through the Lord as well. Nothing gets past Him. Nothing surprises Him. Our God is in control of all time and space, all events and all circumstances.

Lastly, all things are purposed to point back to God. Every plant and animal, every man woman and child is made for the glory of the Lord. Even the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ pointed the way to God the Father and gave Him glory.

As disciples, we should be mindful of this in our daily lives. Everything is ultimately about God.

Jesus Saves!

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 20:16:00 +0000

Christ followers:

We've recently just designed some new T-shirts to spread the message that "Jesus Saves". We don't make any money for the sale of these shirts, but we do get some promotion for our cause out of them as they contain a number for people to text message. When this number is messaged, the person received back a text promoting our Christian resources at www.asamatteroffaith.com and www.christdisciple.org.

These shirts promote Jesus and our resource websites! Win win!

Wear one around town and spread the Word!

View/purchase shirts here -

http://reactee.com/disciple

OR HERE -

http://reactee.com/aamof

God bless you,
-Matt
As A Matter Of Faith promotional director

Are we on God's side?

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 04:12:00 +0000

2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

We live in a time like no other. There has never been such prosperity and so much comfortable living as there is now. The day has arrived when the norm is to have a home and a vehicle, a job and some money put aside. We dine on meals that the people of bygone eras would have been amazed by. We have a higher rate of college educated people than ever before. We can get medicine to heal our ailments, surgeries to mend our brokenness. We are at the height of our society.

And yet we are in decay.

At a time when we are so well off, we care little for those who have less than us. We murder our children out of convenience. We fornicate like never before, sex is rampant on our mainstream television shows, lifestyles are celebrated that defy God's design for man. How can we continually seek for God to bless us if we keep defying Him? How can we expect that God will be on our side if we are not on His?

There is no better time than now to turn back to God. If we humble ourselves now and pray to Him, there may yet be revival in our land. If we seek His face, we may yet be heard. There is still time for healing, still time for us to change our course. We don't have to go down the path that leads to destruction. We can, and should, turn to our Lord and seek His will on this earth, admit our sins and live for Him.

We must.

Vicki Claudio to be interviewed on Political Vindication Radio, June 30, 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:09:00 +0000

Join Frank and Shane as they interview Vicki Claudio about her recently published book, A Pastoral Letter to the Captives by Exagorazo Press.

Date:	Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Time:	9:00pm - 11:00pm EST
Location:	http://www.blogtalkradio.com/politicalvindication/2009/07/01/Political-Vindication-Radio

As A Matter Of Faith team interviewed on Douglas V. Gibbs' Political Pistachio radio show

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 02:26:00 +0000

Guest Vicki Claudio says war with Islamic Jihad is nothing new. Book, A Pastoral Letter to the Captives, and other works: Selected hostage accounts from the Barbary Pirates Era, is tonight's topic.

	Monday, June 15, 2009 at 10:00pm http://www.blogtalkradio.com/politicalpistachio/2009/06/16/Hostage-Accounts-From-the-Barbary-Pirates-on-Political-Pistachio-Radio-Revolution

A Pastoral Letter to the Captives on Do the Right Thing radio

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 02:39:00 +0000

Vicki Claudio and others will be joining us to promote Vicki's new book, "A Pastoral Letter to the Captives, and other works".

Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 11:00pm

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/cyberpastor/2009/06/10/Do-The-Right-Thing-Radio-Politics-from-a-Christian-Perspective

National Day of Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Thu, 07 May 2009 15:20:00 +0000

As many of you know, today is the National Day of Prayer. This date has been observed as the National Day of Prayer for the last 58 years.

Many of you will be attending prayer observances at your local churches today and even more of you will pray on your own.

I urge you to pray for our country, today and everyday. Now more than ever, it's so important that we pray for the future of this nation.

If you'd like, you can post a prayer at tangle.com here >> http://www.tangle.com/prayers&mui=0d0d61eddd2846e99aa1b097c68f7ff4

Also, if you'd like to select a time slot during which to pray, you can tell the Presidential Prayer Team what time you'll be praying so everyone can see just how many are lifting up their prayers to God today.
You can do that here >> http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/NDOP09_Signup.asp?mb=2037338.96cFaDF&cp=090106

God bless you.

-Matt

The Cost of Following Christ part V

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Acts 7:60 Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep (died).

We find throughout the gospel stories told in the Bible that many came to follow Christ Jesus during his earthly ministry. We mostly hear of the twelve disciples because they are the men who followed Him most closely, but it is also worth noting that many of those who chose to follow after Christ turned away when they were required to suffer or give up too much. Others, like all of the inner twelve, save Judas Iscariot, followed Jesus unto death. Every one of those eleven men were martyred in the name of the Lord.

Another man we learn of in the book of Acts is Stephen. Usually when we hear Stephen's name it is in the context of a story about Saul of Tarsus being present at his stoning; the focus being on Saul. Saul later met with Jesus on his way to kill more Christians and became a follower of Christ Himself. But we miss out on much if we leave the focus on Saul and never pay any attention to Stephen.

Stephen, when brought to trial, did not cower, he did not cave. When faced with death, he did not renounce Christ, he did not fear. Instead, Stephen willingly gave his life in the name of his Lord and Savior. That in itself is noble and worthy of mention. But Stephen did something even more brave.

Though the cost of following Christ was his very life and breath, Stephen uttered the last words, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." Even as he was being killed by his accusers, Stephen followed the example of Jesus and prayed for their forgiveness. That is true devotion.

The Cost of Following Christ part IV

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 05:01:00 +0000

John 12:3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

It's clear throughout the gospel stories that Mary loves Jesus. She sits at his feet, she hangs on every word he speaks. But she shows us in one particular account, just what she thinks of the Son of Man.

When our Lord was visiting Bethany, which happened to be where Mary lived, He dined in the home that she shared with Martha and Lazarus. The disciples were also welcomed into their home for this dinner held in Jesus' honor.

During this evening, Mary took out a pint of nard, an expensive perfume we're told in the scriptures, and poured out the bottle's contents on Jesus' feet. She wiped His feet with her hair. This can be looked at in separate parts to see the significance of Mary's sacrifice.

First, consider the fact that Mary had to make the decision to use the entire bottle of perfume if she was going to use any of it. Once this jar was opened (broken) it was all to be used. This is a significant decision in light of what we learn from Judas' statement after her act: "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor?" It was worth a year's wages." We're never told what the income level of Mary's household is, but one can guess that it was not so high as to just go about breaking open jars of expensive perfumes without considering the cost and whether it was worth it.

But possibly even more of a sacrificial act was the washing of Jesus' feet with her hair. It was an act of humility to wash the disciples' feet when Jesus did so. The very lesson He was teaching this group of men was that to be first must consider yourself last. He lowered Himself to show that even He, God in human form, was here to serve and not to be served. To the disciples, it was a bit of a shock. How much more so when they saw Mary not only wash the Savior's feet, but do so with the hair of her head? This was indeed an act of submission. This was a sure sign that Mary understood exactly who Jesus is and how we all compare (or don't really) to Him.

Can we lower ourselves, as Mary did, in submission to our Lord? Can we place Him higher than ourselves and seek His will over ours? Can we count the cost and still go forward with the sacrifice required to follow Him? These questions must be answered by each Christian.

The Cost of Following Christ part III

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 05:01:00 +0000

2 Samuel 24:24 But the king replied to Araunah, "No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing." So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen and paid fifty shekels of silver for them.

How do you define sacrifice? Obviously, we all have a much different definition than those who lived during the time of King David, when sacrifices to God were literal burnt offerings, placed on an altar. So then, if sacrifice to God is not the killing and burning of an animal or some grain; then what is it?

It seems that King David had the right meaning of sacrifice in mind when he was on a threshing floor owned by Araunah, a Jebusite. David, as king, could have built an altar wherever he liked. He would have faced little conflict if he just showed up and started building the altar on the threshing floor. But even so, as Araunah approached and inquired as to what the king was doing on his land, he gladly and willingly, even enthusiastically offered the king his land for this sacrifice; no payment was required. Araunah also offered the king all of the animals he would need for his sacrifice. David would have been within his rights to take the gifts.

But he knew the true meaning of sacrifice too well to accept them from Araunah. David understood that to truly make a sacrifice to God, it must cost you something. A burnt offering given using animals that belonged to Araunah on land that belonged to Araunah would not have been a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord at all. David knew that in order for the sacrifice to mean anything, in order for God to be pleased and end the plague on David's people, he must offer up something that was of himself.

Because of his sacrifice, bought and paid for, King David's prayers were answered and the people were no longer plagued. Before you think you have given much for the Kingdom of God, stop and think about what it has cost you.

The Cost of Following Christ part II

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Genesis 22:5 And Abraham said to his young men, "Stay here with the donkey; the lad and I will go yonder and worship, and we will come back to you."

In looking at those who know the cost of following after the Lord, one would be remiss if Abraham was passed over as one of those people. In his old age, finally receiving the blessing that the Lord had promised him so long ago, the blessing of a son, God then tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice that very blessing, that very son.

The phenomenal thing we see in this story is that Abraham willingly goes up on the mountain to build an alter and to sacrifice his only son on that alter. Abraham, when called by God to do something, responded "Here I am." But that is not even the end of the awesome example Abraham sets as someone who will follow the Lord no matter what the cost.

No, the story includes a detail that may be overlooked by many who read it. It is amazing to us that Abraham would accept that the Lord wanted him to sacrifice his son, but what's more is the state of Abraham's heart through it all. Not only did Abraham obey, he considered the act "worship" to the Lord.

How many of us, if called to give up something on this earth, would even consider giving it up, let alone consider it worship? What price are we willing to pay to follow after the Lord Jesus Christ?

The Cost of Following Christ part I

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Matthew 4:19 "Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

We see all throughout the gospel Jesus calling people to follow after Him. One common occurrence is that Jesus asked them to leave behind everything in order to do so. For some, this meant leaving behind a sinful life, repenting and following Him as new creations. For others, this meant leaving behind riches, glory, and position. What will it cost you to follow after the Savior?

In the coming weeks, we will look at the cost of following after Jesus and making him your Lord. We will look to the scriptures at men and women who gave everything they had in worship to God. We will see Abraham offer up his son, Isaac, in an act of pure worship. We will read of David, king of Israel, anointed one of the Lord, who would not accept the gift of a field to be used for sacrifice, because he would not "offer unto the Lord that which costs [him] nothing". A woman pours out perfume in an act of sacrifice, worth an entire year's wages. And we will see men give their very lives to follow after the Messiah, who lived in their presence on this earth.

In the words of an inspirational speaker, Dr. George W. Murray, "Jesus Christ is worthy of our worship. And true worship is costly worship." So just how much are we willing to give in worship of our Lord? Decide now that you, like King David, will not offer unto the Lord that which costs you nothing.

The Fruit of the Spirit - Self-control

noreply@blogger.com (Matthew J. Cochran) — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 05:01:00 +0000

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the spirit is...self-control

"I can't believe I did it again." How many times have we all found ourselves in the situation that leads to such a thought? We tried to control ourselves, but that one thing that just always seems to creep back into our lives overtook our willpower once again. Yes, we gave in to temptation.

It's a likely scenario, both for the nonbeliever and the Christ follower. It can be very difficult to keep our fleshly urges under control, whether those urges are overeating, lusting, drinking heavily, cheating, stealing, lying, or any other number of sins. The difference between us and those who are not redeemed by the blood of Christ through accepting His gift of salvation, is that we have been granted power above what we are humanly capable of possessing. We are not impotent to change our situation.

In the matter of self-control, the name given to this trait referenced in the Fruit of the Spirit scripture may be a bit of a misnomer. For it is not really "self" control that we possess, so much as it is "Spirit-control". We have been given the ability to restrain ourselves through the help of the Holy Spirit living within us, as believers. We are told in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians that "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it." That one passage is reason enough to believe that we are quite capable of bearing the fruit of self-control in our lives.

Self-control is not about trying our hardest not to sin. Rather, self-control, like the other Fruit of the Spirit, is attained through submission of our lives to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Now you can listen to the podcast version of our devotions at http://christdisciple.podbean.com