The Parable of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl
Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss the immense value of the gospel and the importance of surrendering everything to follow Jesus.
Gary Wilkerson and Joshua West discuss the immense value of the gospel and the importance of surrendering everything to follow Jesus.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Holiness smacks in the face of popular cultural trends and feel-good teachings. We'd much rather prefer what benefits us than surrendering to God's holy authority. Holiness drives you to your knees in death to self, choosing obedience to Christ rather than self-fulfillment. Which will you choose?
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
All over this nation, Christians are praying for revival. Many expect the Holy Spirit to fall upon their community and convert multitudes as God sweeps sinners into their churches. They feel that because they have fasted and prayed, God will automatically send revival. But God responds, “No, I won’t play that game. You must take personal responsibility for your witness of me. You must be a shining manifestation of my Son and make me known to your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers.”
“Godliness with contentment is great gain … And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content” (1 Timothy 6:6, 8).
When a believer chooses to go deeper with God and live a fully surrendered life, he most likely will encounter hardship. He might even experience being knocked off his high horse, which literally happened to the apostle Paul (also called Saul). He was going on his self-assured way, riding toward Damascus, when a blinding light came from heaven. Knocked to the ground, he heard a voice from heaven saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4).
Holy, separated living isn’t preached about much anymore because we fear it might offend and not be visitor-friendly. But when the Spirit starts his work, we will always have a new desire for holiness and a quest for Christlikeness. “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy’” (1 Peter 14-16).