Jim Miller
Gray, Maine
2Co 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith theLord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
2Co 6:18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and
daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
In this day and age when apostasy and heresy seem to fill every corner of ourworld, isn't it a wonderful assurance to know that if we will but come out fromamong those in the world and follow the Savior that we too will be sons and daughters of the most high God?
Dear Reader, the scriptures are filled with assurances of a loving God who wants all to be saved so much so that He sent Christ to die for us even though we were and are not worthy. However, this love and salvation are predicated upon our willingness to come out of the world and live our lives according to His will.
Coming out of the world is what most people do not want to do. They get caught up chasing the almighty dollar the new cars the fancy TV's and electronics along with the big house and all that goes with it. Coming out of the world and coming to Christ requires the we give up our cares for all these things. We see the same thing to day as they did in the first century look at the case of the rich young ruler.
Mat 19:16 And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?
Mat 19:17 And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.
Mat 19:18 He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,
Mat 19:19 Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Mat 19:20 The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet?
Mat 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Mat 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
Mat 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Here we see a young man more interested in keeping his worldly goods than securing a home in heaven and we see the warning form the Lord that those who cling to the world will not reach that home either. How many of us who are Christians still fall from time to time because we lose focus. Are we not instructed to keep watch over our hearts. Col 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Col 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
Folks there is nothing you can obtain in this world that is as precious as the home you will receive form God come the end of time here. You must come out from among those of this world and cling to the hope given you by the Lord. Once you come out of the world then turn your attention to helping and teaching other to do the same. There is nothing more rewarding than bringing someone to Christ. To watch them come out of the world and turn to the Lord is a glorious sight. Amen!
