July 17, 2025
“A true follower of Jesus never becomes accustomed to the sound of footsteps headed for hell.”
Our current Epistle series is about answering the question, “What does a disciple look like?” This week, I want to invite you to look at your hands. Your hands holding the Bible or a good book on some aspect of the Christian Way. Or, watching a webcast or listening to recorded Scripture or a podcast. This is because disciple means “learner” and Jesus’ invitation, “Come, follow Me.,” is learn of Him and His way.”
In one of His most quotes statements, Jesus said, “You are truly My disciples if you remain faithful to My teachings. And you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”(Jn.8:31-32)We search Scripture because God’s Word either points to Jesus, reveals Him, points back to Him, or reveals His way and His purposes. That’s a lot! Thus, one of the qualities of being a Christ Follower is that we are lifelong learners.
God has instilled in us the desire to seek out truth. It goes with making sense of our lives, the world, and God’s relationship with these. Many have lately been questioning how God would allow the flooding and loss of life, especially young lives. Some blame God. Some blame Him, even if His purpose in it. Ironically, many who do not believe in God or claim to be the “captain of their souls” are the ones asking and demanding an answer. They do this despite the Scripture sharing that the introduction of sin into the world not only was a “moral issue” but had effects on nature itself. Which is why Paul tells us in Romans 8:22, “For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” The sheer impact of sin disrupted humankind’s peaceful coexistence with nature.
While this truth may not be hard for some to accept, God’s truth nevertheless has a way of challenging us because we have a propensity toward thinking or feeling our way is the best or only way. When we are blessed to have people in our lives with whom we practice Christian accountability we are sometimes made uncomfortable. Sometimes, it causes friction within us and without. Proverbs 27:17 tells us, “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”) Sparks can fly! But the intent is to conform to the truth found in God’s Word. When we are, we experience a closer relationship with Jesus and walk in a way more aligned with His way of life.
Sometimes folk give up on the discipline of learning. Or they get distracted from learning from sources about matters that are of eternal consequence. I encourage you to practice lifelong learning from the Word of God and people who earnestly seek Him.
As faithful Christ Followers, lifelong learning enables us to better Love, Follow, and Serve Jesus and Thrive in ’25!
Loving you in Jesus!
Pastor Brian
“A church that neglects prayer becomes disunited, scattered, lethargic, all but dead.” Charles Spurgeon
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