Jesus Life Everlasting

Jesus Life Everlasting

By: Paul McDonald

Jesus Life Everlasting – Following Jesus When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 NIV

Following Jesus is a very personal decision, and means different things to different people. Some may decide to follow Jesus because of peer pressure, and because all of their friends are doing it, and want to belong to the same group. Others do it because they were raised to be a follower by their parents, and that is just what you are supposed to do on Sunday morning is go to church.

Whatever the case may be, and whatever your circumstance, it is awesome that you have decided to go to church. God will do the rest, and I say that from experience.

You see, I was not raised in a Christian home. My parents are good people, and both raised to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, but something went awry somewhere and they made a decision that going to church was no longer needed for them, nor was it important for their children to go.

When I reached high school, a few new friends of mine, who were all in the choir class that I was in, went to the same church, and asked me if I’d like to go with them. I was really stoked that they chose me to be part of their group, so I immediately agreed.

Every Sunday morning, I would get ready to attend church…even though I really had no idea what being a Christian was all about. I was just going to “fit in” with my new group of friends.

After all, they were among the most popular kids in school, so you can imagine my excitement of just being asked! Singing was a passion for all of us, and the music that came out of our section of the church was amazing.

On one very special night, after going to church there every Sunday for months, the choir started to sing “Just As I Am”, and the pastor was calling for sinners who were ready to accept Jesus into their lives.

Now I had heard it all before…every week for months, and was never moved to respond…but something happened. I was standing there with my friends, singing along with the choir, when a very strange and unfamiliar warmth came over my body.

Before I knew it, I turned to my friends and said, “later guys”, and started walking to the front of the church. I accepted Jesus into my life that night. It was like nothing I had ever felt before, and only a few times since.

When Jesus calls you…you will know it, but you must be ready to hear it. If Jesus has not yet whispered in your ear to come home, maybe it is because you weren’t, or aren’t listening.

I realize that this happens differently with everyone, and we all have our own stories, but that is how it happened for me. The feeling of unconditional love, warmth, and forgiveness, all at one time…out of nowhere. Simply incredible, and a moment in my life that I will never forget!

* A word of praise here, my family have all turned their lives to serve the Lord, and I can’t tell you how thrilled I am with that!

Following Jesus is not always easy, sometimes it is downright hard. We are a willful people, and we think we know best how to live our lives. We do, once again, have that choice.

Following Jesus is not about religion, although many people think in those terms. Many denominations or religions tell us different ways of following Him. God never intended Jesus to be for only Christians… rather, God intended for everyone, from every nation, to accept His Son.

Going to church every Sunday does not make you a Christian, although it is a step in the right direction. Church is family to me. A family of believers who are of one mind…and that is to praise the Lord.

We can look at it another way, if you prefer. We are all Gods children, but Jesus was the begotten son…so if it is easier for you to talk to your brother, (the perfect brother,) then talk to him in that light.

Revere Jesus as a revered older brother whose advice you cling to with all that you are. Present Him with your problems…tell Him of your successes, and thank Him for being there for you in every situation. This may not be the way the Bible explained it, but I believe that talking to Jesus in your own way is better than not talking to Him at all.

Asking Him to come into your life as a big brother, is better than not having Him in your life at all.

Many people are confused as to what Following Jesus actually entails. It is really a simple premise, actually only 3 steps.

1.You have a desire to follow Him. For one reason or another, or several, you have made
a choice to include Jesus in your life!

2.You have faith in Jesus and believe that he was sent by God, and died for the sins of the
world.

3.You accept Jesus as your personal Savior, and accept His gift of eternal life.

Following Jesus is not without trials. They are still with us. This was written by Paul in second Corinthians 12:1-9.

“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That is why I take pleasure in my weaknesses and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

There is a saying that comes to mind when I hear stories of weaknesses and hardships. “Jesus and One is a majority!” In other words, whenever you think you are standing alone in your weaknesses, you are not. He is there with you, and helping you deal with those woes. Don’t think for a moment that you are alone.

This prayer always helps when I am dealing with worries, and forgetting that I am not in charge.

When you need Him, He is there. When you need someone to talk to when nobody else understands, He is there. When you are filled with grief, He is there. In any conceivable situation…Jesus is there for you. I think that everyone has seen this, but just in case, I’d like to include “Footprints in the Sand” for anyone who hasn’t seen it

Isn’t this the kind of friend everyone needs? Those who have not found the light of Jesus for one reason or another, are walking in darkness, and will never know what the true meaning of having a real friend is.

Regards, Shan

Copyright © 2022 – 2023 Knew-U-Ministries.com All Rights Reserved