DO YOU EVER WONDER?

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED? I HAVE.

Peter                         Andrew                   James                   John

Philip                       Bartholomew            Thomas                 Matthew

James                          Jude                     Simon

I wonder.  What would happen if the Apostles, Peter, Andrew, James (son of Zebedee), John (James’ brother), Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Jude, and Simon (the Zealot) were somehow able to visit our world and go into our current-day churches?

I wonder what they would think, say and do?

Think about it.

 

I wonder what would happen if we took the Words of Jesus, that is, His teachings, His admonitions, His warnings, His deeds and works, and His miracles seriously enough to actually believe sufficiently to actually DO what He has told us to DO – and to keep doing those things?

Think about it.

 

I also wonder what would happen to this world if we believed and acted as the Apostles did?

Think about it.

 

 

I wonder what would happen to us, as Christians today, if we did all of these things?

Think about it.

It has been over two thousand years since Jesus and The Apostles walked the earth, and there is no doubt about the impact they had on this world. And even with our greatest concerns and sacrificial efforts to preserve that Message and practice, the Gospel we teach, live and practice today seems to pale into a ghostly reminder in comparison to the Gospel taught, lived and demonstrated by Jesus, the Apostles and the early Christians. Please, just read your Bible and see it.

I have tried, at various times and in various periods of my life, without making a big fuss, to do and practice the teachings of Jesus. I admit it did this partially out of obedience to His Word and partially out of curiosity. I want to be obedient to Him, but I also wanted to see if these things (witnessing Jesus and the Gospel, disciple making, miracles, etc.) could still occur – and not just occur, but occur like it did with the Apostles and with the early church.

Here is some of what I think I have discovered after thirty some years of trying.

Witnessing to people about Jesus and the Gospel can be nerve wracking and confusing at first. But with practice and given time, it becomes easier and you can grow bolder.

Most Christians nowadays, including Pastors, theologians, elders and deacons in the church, don’t witness. Most won’t even try.

I know that a few people got saved after I told them about Jesus and about the Gospel Message – at least I knew of a few. So, I know it can happen, even for the least of us.

I know that Jesus is displeased with those Christians, those disciples, who do not do what He has asked and told them to do.

 

I still wonder why so many decide to follow Jesus’ when His Words to potential believers are so blunt. He leaves no doubt about the responsibilities, the cost, and the contract one will be making with God if they decide to become a Christian and follow Him.

He is equally clear about the consequence for entering into a contract with God, that is, making a commitment of discipleship, then turning back or falling away.

But, now I know. I know what God has in store for those of us who have been faithful and obedient. Click on the banner “NOW I KNOW” and you can know, too:

So, now I have almost stopped wondering – except to say, I wonder why I waited so long to become His child – an heir of the Kingdom of Heaven and Joint-heirs with Jesus.

And, if you don’t know Him and haven’t received His monumental gift of unconditional love, salvation for your soul, forgiveness of all your sins, a new start to live – one full of hope, meaning and purpose – I WONDER what you are waiting for? Call on Him now. Give yourself to Him and live!

Your Brother and Friend,

Mike Young