…but god… Episode 190

2 Peter 1: 10-11

Transcript

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choice of you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.”

2 Peter 1:10-11 NASB2020

Peter asks us are we sure we want to be true followers of Christ and not just part of His fan club, as a “follower” of his on tick tock, twitter or instagram? Peter is asking are we sure we want to be True followers and not just someone who goes to church every other Sunday to feel good about themselves. A follower who would lay down their life for Christ not someone that merely goes to church on Christmas and Easter. 

I’m reading a book by Todd Nettleton, one of the leaders of a group called the voice of the martyrs. The book is titled  “When faith is forbidden, 40 days on the frontlines with persecuted Christians”.

Todd Nettleton explains, “ the early church in the first century, was not like things in the United Kingdom or the United States today, it was more like Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, and North Korea. We always say follow in the steps of the apostles. Where are their steps? In the difficulties, in the persecution! Nettleton goes on to explain “when we think of following and the steps of the apostles, most of us probably imagine times, sitting around the fire with Jesus, seeing thousands come to faith in the Messiah, at Pentecost, or seeing the sick healed, and the lame walk, in the name of Jesus. There aren’t nearly as many warm, fuzzy feelings, when we think about being locked in the stocks in the long, cold hours, after midnight at the jail in Philippi, the beatings, shipwrecks or being crucified upside down. But the apostles footprints go through these experiences also. Their path traverses both mountaintops of faith and wonder, and valleys of darkness, pain and doubt.”

Are you walking faithfully with Christ? Are you seeking a right relationship with Him? Are you ALL IN! Remember what Jesus said to the Church at Laodicea “‘I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot; I wish that you were cold or hot. So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth.”

Revelation 3:15-16 NASB2020

Don’t be Lukewarm! Be ALL IN, for Christ is ALL IN for you even to death on the cross! Remember what Paul said to the Philippians “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Philippians 1:21 NASB2020

We are blessed to live in a country where our lives are not threatened because we believe In and follow Christ. But there are millions of followers of Christ who live for Christ even though it could cost them their freedom and even their lives. We must Pray for them and learn from their unwavering faith!

Lord, thank you for your incredible love!  Thank you for being ALL IN for us. Thank you for wanting a relationship with us. Give us the strength we need to seek you first, so that we do not get complacent. Help us to be ALL IN for you! We pray all this in The Mighty Name of Jesus. 

Shalom Shalom blessings! Press in and Press on!

Hosted by Chad McBeam

Aaron Marcarelli

After getting his under-graduate degree from Cal State University San Bernardino where he played college baseball and received all American honors. he was a graduate assistant baseball coach at both Trevecca Nazarene College in Nashville, Tennessee, and at Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington.  He received his master’s degree in Teaching from Whitworth, with plans to someday be a head baseball coach at a university.  However, God had other plans.  Aaron started teaching English and History and coaching baseball and other sports at the high school level and found out how much he loves high school kids, and he has been doing that for the past 27 years.     Personally, heI has been married to his wife Sharon for 32 years, they have one daughter, Amanda Parrish, who has been married to Austin Parrish for 2 years. Aaron also has two grandsons Travis age 2 ½ and Aden who is 13 months and are blessed to have another on the way due in May. Aaron loves reading, golfing, and spending time with his wife and grandkids.

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…but god… Episode 191

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…but god… Episode 189