10/24/13 HIGHLIGHTS FROM ONLINE...
One of the great blessings of God is heart purity (the likeness of Christ), which can only be received through total abandonment of self. How sad that people will sacrifice themselves to obtain worldly pleasures, but not sacrifice for spiritual excellence.
We need to want the Blessor (Jesus) more than we want the blessing.
Self denial begins at the time of our justification, is perfected (in quality) at the time of our entire sanctification and is developed throughout our lives.
Christian sacrifice is sacrifice without complaining. Also, we should not confuse self sacrifice with losses along the way. Something taken away by other people is not a sacrifice. Still, there should be no complaining, but rather a Christlike attitude. Instead of Whatever It Takes, most people just say, WHATEVER.
Christians should be able to live in any situation.
Philippians 4:11-13
(11) Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
(12) I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
(13) I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Being all He wants us to be includes Doing all He wants us to do.
Our sacrifice should be like Isaac on the altar, like Jesus on the cross. This is that to which God calls us.
God has not only called us to be blessed, but to be a blessing, which may require us to suffer.
Colossians 1:23-25
(23) If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
(24) Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:
(25) Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;
I closed with the thought that Christian sacrifice is attended by praise.
