The Foundation

 Luke 9:23 NKJV

[23] Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.  

This is the foundation that distinguishes Christians from the worldly system. That we "deny self" by taking up our "cross," which is dying to a selfish lifestyle in order that we can love and help those around us. That's "losing our lives" to find real life. Life for Jesus' sake or purpose.

Luke 9:24 NKJV

[24] For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.  

The world is lovers of self and there is no doubt that we are in that time now.

II Timothy 3:1-4 NKJV [1] But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: [2] For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, [3] unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, [4] traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 

That's why Paul said, "do not conform to the pattern of this world" Romans 12:2. Cause their pattern is pure selfishness. Me, me, me!

We were saved, to not only receive eternal life, but to spread God's love around the world as "it is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit," so others would be drawn to God and be saved too.

Romans 5:5 NIV

[5] And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

This is how we can obey Jesus' new command and the way the world around us will know that God exists...by love and good deeds.

John 13:34-35 NKJV

[34] A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  [35] By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” 

We were saved by His grace to do the good works He prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:8-10 NKJV [8] For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, [9] not of works, lest anyone should boast. [10] For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 

Why? So they would see our good works and glorify the Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 NKJV

[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. 

Why? So they can know God exists and that He loves them and sent Jesus to save them and wants to give them eternal life.

John 3:16 NKJV [16] For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  

That's why the whole Bible is summed up in a single command, "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Romans 13:9 NIV

[9] The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

Because that's a way they will know He exists and that He loves them, through our love and good deeds.

So back to the foundation of the matter, we "deny self" refuse to live a selfish lifestyle to follow Jesus and "walk as Jesus did." He came to "seek and save the lost." That's our main purpose on earth too.

How is it accomplished through us, the Church?

God works through our love for all people and the good deeds we do for other people. 

So, the foundation to follow Jesus? Get every hint of selfishness out of our lives and live for other people. So, they will see our love and good deeds and be saved too. Time is short. No more selfish lifestyle. So cool. What a revelation! The Holy Spirit will help us walk this out as we follow Jesus.

CONTACT ME AT: postjeff0321@gmail.com. I'd love to connect with you!!! 

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Love you all, 

Jeffrey Post