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Word from Scotland
by Sandy Shaw
In Luke Chapter 9 at verse 23, we come to these highly challenging and demanding sentences in the Gospel record. Jesus Christ has sent out the Twelve and has fed the 5,000 with no waste whatsoever. Peter confesses who Jesus is - not just a mighty miracle worker - not just Someone who can control the winds and waves - not just a great Teacher - not some powerful prophet from the past raised back to life - but the Messiah - the Christ - the Saviour - the Son of God. In a sense what could be more challenging? But it is the response which is challenging – our response to all that has been taught and revealed.
You will not get any of this in any other faith in the whole world. We need to be reminded in these days that Jesus Christ is UNIQUE - and this Book, the Bible is unique.
Verse 23 – “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” These words of Jesus include every one who would wish to follow Him and every one who sense that call of God which is so essential. He gives us no choices - no options - on certain matters - as He lays down the conditions. "Jesus is there not an easier way?" - and He has to shake His Head and say “NO”. What you try to save you lose, and what you are willing to lose you save.
Verse 26 - and don't be ashamed of Him nor ashamed of His words. He is coming again - and those who reject Jesus now - or disown Jesus now - or are ashamed or embarrassed by the Name of Jesus now - will one day be marked out for what they are.
Jesus knew the truth - spoke the truth - shared the truth - taught the truth - was the truth. In a day when there is not a lot of truth and integrity around it would pay society to take a good long look at what Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has to say and teach. Many discover too late that what He said actually comes to pass.
It is a shorter study. Take time – make time – to consider the implications and consider the cost. This discipleship living is not easy.
Alexander 'Sandy' Shaw is pastor of Nairn Christian Fellowship in Nairn, Scotland. Nairn is 17 miles east of Inverness - on the Moray Firth Coast - not far from the Loch Ness Monster!
Gifted as a Biblical teacher, Sandy is firmly committed to making sure that his teachings are firmly grounded in the Word.
Sandy has a weekly radio talk which can be heard via the Internet on Saturday at 11:40am, New Orleans time, at wsho.com.
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