mrtonyfrench

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14

Following Jesus is difficult. At times, it is excruciatingly painful to be a disciple of Christ. The temptation to give up and live for self is palpable. Hardship should be expected for the true follower of the Savior.

The Apostle Paul endured many hardships as he was led by the Holy Spirit. He endured beatings, false imprisonments, prison, and shipwreck. Ultimately, according to church history, Paul gave His life for Jesus.

Yet, Paul never gave up on Jesus. He was constantly pressing forward and He continually kept his eyes on the prize. Paul did not quit on Jesus because he remembered his calling from the Lord. Historians believe that Paul was in prison when he wrote the letter to the church at Philippi. Even inequity and unfairness did not deter Paul’s desire to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus.

Paul’s example is worthy of emulation. Let us, as present-day followers Christ, have the same attitude as the apostle. We cannot give up or give in to Satan’s schemes to discourage us. Let us commit to following Jesus as long as there is breath in our body.

Christian, keep pressing forward and focus your eyes on the prize. Your future is bright and God is at work around you and within you. Don’t give up on Jesus!

Tony French

Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

John 8:36

Christians have been set free. God’s people have been freed from those things that would bind them. “Free indeed” describes the state of the redeemed in no uncertain terms.

Believers are set free from the penalty of sin. Jesus paid the debt so that we could go free. (Ephesians 1:7) Liberty is the lot of those who know Jesus as their Savior and Lord.

God’s people are liberated from the guilt of sin. We are forgiven eternally in Christ Jesus and the condemnation has been removed. (John 3:17, Romans 8:1) Our Savior is mighty and wonderful!

Christians are loosed from the power of sin. The same power that raised up Christ from the dead lives within us and gives us fortitude to overcome sin (Romans 8:11, 1 Corinthians 10:13) The Saints have the strength they need to flee sin and run to Jesus!

Christians are free indeed. Jesus has set us at liberty and torn away our bondage. Remember this fact, Child of God. Live in this truth each and every day.

Tony French

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14

Following Jesus is difficult. At times, it is excruciatingly painful to be a disciple of Christ. The temptation to give up and live for self is palpable. Hardship should be expected for the true follower of the Savior.

The Apostle Paul endured many hardships as he was led by the Holy Spirit. He endured beatings, false imprisonments, prison, and shipwreck. Ultimately, according to church history, Paul gave His life for Jesus.

Yet, Paul never gave up on Jesus. He was constantly pressing forward and He continually kept his eyes on the prize. Paul did not quit on Jesus because he remembered his calling from the Lord. Historians believe that Paul was in prison when he wrote the letter to the church at Philippi. Even inequity and unfairness did not deter Paul’s desire to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus.

Paul’s example is worthy of emulation. Let us, as present-day followers Christ, have the same attitude as the apostle. We cannot give up or give in to Satan’s schemes to discourage us. Let us commit to following Jesus as long as there is breath in our body.

Christian, keep pressing forward and focus your eyes on the prize. Your future is bright and God is at work around you and within you. Don’t give up on Jesus!

Tony 

“For I, the Lord, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

Malachi 3:6

God does not change. In His nature and essential being, the Lord is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. (Hebrews 13:8) Everything on this planet changes each day and sometimes at dizzying speed. Yet, Yahweh remains faithful, secure, and immutable in His being and person.

God’s immutability (unchanging nature) is a source of great comfort. The unalterable nature of the Lord means that we can trust Him in all times and seasons. This doctrine encourages us to remain in the eternal word He has given us and to obey Christ no matter the situation.

Our God works in many ways and He definitely delights in variety. Yet, the Lord’s eternal character is constant and strong. He never wavers and He never falters.

Because of these facts, Christians can trust and obey in every circumstance whether sweet or sorrowful. Child of God, trust in the immutable, unchanging Savior who gave His life for you. He will never fail you and He will always be true to His promises.

Tony French

As Christians, let us consider these thoughts about our Savior this week………………

To whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Colossians 1:27

Jesus is our hope. The hope of heaven, the hope of glory, and the hope of resurrection all rest in the finished work of Jesus upon the cross. He is our only hope and our lasting hope. Through Christ, our hope is steadfast, sure, and forever secure. Jesus is our only lasting hope.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.

Ephesians 6:10

Jesus is our strength. Paul commands Believers to be strong in the Lord and in His power. Jesus gives us the strength we need to serve Him, obey Him, and live our lives for His glory. The Lord strengthens us in all times, seasons, and circumstances. Christ fortifies His people forever by His power and might. Jesus is our ultimate strength.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.  

Ephesians 1:7

Jesus is our redemption. He has set us free from the bondage of sin by the shedding His blood as our sacrifice. Jesus was condemned that we might be released. Through His marvelous grace, our sins are forgiven and we are given new life. Jesus is the redemption for all who will believe.

Thanks be to God for His mighty works! Let us make every effort to live in light of these truths.

Tony French

But they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

1 Peter 4:5

The Apostle Peter emphasizes the doctrine of Divine judgement in 1 Peter 4. His teaching is an important reminder that everyone will stand before God one day. While there may be differences of opinion about all of the details, Christians believe the Last Day will come and we will all give an account for our thoughts, actions, and even our words. (Matthew 12:36)

In that day of judgement, those who have trusted in Jesus will be safe. Why? Because Believers have trusted in Christ as Savior. Jesus was judged in our place and He took upon Himself our guilt. The Lord suffered and died for us so that we might be set free. Believers will give an account for how we have used our lives for the Lord. (Romans 14:10) But, Heaven will be our final home and we are secure in Christ forevermore. (Romans 8:38-39)

Friend, trust in Jesus and be saved today. Those who are not trusting in Jesus will be judged, found guilty, and punished for their sins for all of eternity. Believe in Christ who died and rose again for you. He paid your debt, He was punished in your place, and He suffered guilt that you might be cleared of your sinfulness. Believe in Him today. He will do everything He has promised. Of that you can be sure!

Tony French

¹⁸ Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. ¹⁹ And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” ²⁰ Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.

Matthew 4:18-20

The command “follow Me” was given to Jesus’ first disciples early in His ministry. It’s an imperative that Christ still extends in our time. Every day Jesus calls people to follow Him.

How can we follow Christ in our day? Let us think of a few ways that we can go after Jesus in our context. This list is not an exhaustive list but may it spur our thinking on this subject.

1) Believe

Following Christ requires humans to believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Disciples of the Savior trust in Jesus for the forgiveness of sin and the salvation of their lives. Being saved is mandatory for following after Jesus and salvation flows to us through believing in Christ by faith.

2) Bible Study and Prayer

Reading the Bible, studying the Word, and praying to God are all part and parcel of following Jesus. Through prayer, Believers speak to God and through the Bible, God speaks to the Christian. The Word of God reveals the truth we need to pursue Jesus.

3) The Church

While Christianity is much more than attending a worship service at a church, it is not less than that. God’s people need to be together to worship, minister, serve, give, and learn through the ministry of the Church. Following Christ means being a part of His body (Romans 12:5) and the organism that He is building. (Matthew 16:18)

Follow Jesus, Child of God. It is the best way to live!

Tony French

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.

Psalm 103:8

Let’s remember three things about the nature and character of God this week…….

**God is compassionate and gracious. His love is everlasting to His people and the grace of our Lord is able to save to the uttermost. (Hebrews 7:250 The Almighty is gracious beyond measure.

**God is slow to anger. The Lord does not lose His temper as humans do. He is patient, kind, and does not desire that any should be eternally lost. (2 Peter 3:9) The Lord is longsuffering and slow to anger.

**God abounds in love. God is much more loving and kind that humans are. Christians also know that the Lord is more loving than we tend to be. God is love. (1 John 4:8) He sent His Son to die for our sins and calls us to Himself. God abounds in love and is generous in love towards His creation.

God bless you as you study God’s Word, seek His face, and serve the Lord by serving others!

Tony French