MANY ARE CALLED, BUT FEW ARE CHOSEN
This morning I want to discuss with my readers about a topic that is very close to my heart. I feel that we should know where we are going in our partnership with Jesus. First, I want to know whether He has called me, or whether He has chosen me to be His follower. This is the most important question that I ask myself everyday. Why? Because Jesus has called many of His disciples, but not all of them are chosen. Judas Iscariot was called, but not chosen. He did not stay faithful with Jesus until the end. He betrayed Jesus when Jesus was still alive. He betrayed Jesus with his lips and his deeds. There are other Christians who were called but later betrayed Jesus after He resurrected and returned to heaven.
And so, brothers and sisters, just because a person is a pastor, a preacher, a radio evangelist, a tv evangelist, or even one of Jesus’ disciples does not automatically mean that he is chosen to represent Him. Judas Iscariot, as we all know, betrayed Jesus, and he was one of Jesus’ disciples. The word “disciple,” therefore, means nothing to me unless he has proven that he is a true disciple of Jesus. Why? Because Jesus has said, "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:24.
And so, brothers and sisters, just because a person is a pastor, a preacher, a radio evangelist, a tv evangelist, or even one of Jesus’ disciples does not automatically mean that he is chosen to represent Him. Judas Iscariot, as we all know, betrayed Jesus, and he was one of Jesus’ disciples. The word “disciple,” therefore, means nothing to me unless he has proven that he is a true disciple of Jesus. Why? Because Jesus has said, "For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:24.
How could we know if a disciple is a disciple of Jesus or not? How could we know if a disciple is one of Jesus' sheep or not? This is how we know if one is a true follower of Jesus or not. Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. "And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.” John 10:27-28. Jesus said, “FOLLOW ME”. A follower of Jesus follows Jesus, and no one else! All that comes out from his mouth agrees with what Jesus has said. Everything that comes out from the mouth of a true disciple of Jesus reinforces what Jesus has taught. A disciple of Jesus will never contradict him! Jesus did not say follow ME for no reason. What is the reason? Because, “false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:24. And we know that Lucifer and his human agents are working around the clock, 24/7/365, to deceive us. How? One way they do this, from my experience, is by lowering the standard of heaven. Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you.” Matthew 24:4.
Now look at this. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; [it is] the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9. This is clear evidence to lower the standard of heaven. These words came out from the mouth of the apostle Paul whom Jesus had called when he was on his way to Damascus to kill more of Jesus' followers. And almost all of the Christians are rushing to follow Paul, even some of the “elect” Christians. Do they not read what the God’s apostle James has said? NO, they did not! If they did, they did not care.
I say put up the shield of Jesus’ words to guard ourselves against Satan’s deception. Don’t ever allow Satan to make us his fools! The apostle James wrote, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have work." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” James 2:17-24. Why is no one taking heed to James' warning but is rushing to live in sin under "grace"? I believe because there is no money in taking heed to James’ warning. Money was the reason why many will be called by churches, but few will be chosen by Jesus. And that, Bro, is the truth!
I say put up the shield of Jesus’ words to guard ourselves against Satan’s deception. Don’t ever allow Satan to make us his fools! The apostle James wrote, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have work." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” James 2:17-24. Why is no one taking heed to James' warning but is rushing to live in sin under "grace"? I believe because there is no money in taking heed to James’ warning. Money was the reason why many will be called by churches, but few will be chosen by Jesus. And that, Bro, is the truth!
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