“If You Love Me”

“If You Love Me” Devotional Reading June 15, 2023

The Supremacy of Christ—”The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him, all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.” —Colossians 1:15-16

Are you aware that Christianity is the only religion that accepts Jesus’ Supremacy, that He is the Son of God, and that He is the Second Deity of the Triune Godhead?

In Hebrews chapter 1, the Scripture reads, “But to the Son He says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions” (Hebrews 1:8-9).

Notably, followers of non-Christian religions worldwide share a common trait of wholeheartedly obeying the deities they worship. However, Christians seem to rank low in this regard, with many failing to fully adhere to the commands of the Most-High God they believe in. This is a saddening reality as most Christians have been compromising for so long that they fail to recognize the consequence of their disobedience, not receiving the reward of eternal life.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.” —John 14:15

We obey Christ by having a heart-to-heart relationship with Him. There is only one reason that we do not obey, we do not love Jesus with all of our hearts, souls, and minds! We know this because we do not keep His commandments. Our lifestyles reveal our priorities! A recent survey gives us heartbreaking statistics, only one in nine Christians study the Bible.

We rely on pastors, podcasts, online sermons, and social media videos to give us fragments of the Scriptures instead of diligently studying the Bible for ourselves.

Reflection: Are you entrusting your salvation and reward of eternal life to other people instead of having a relationship with Christ and studying the Bible to gain the knowledge necessary to receive daily spiritual transformation?

Satan has deceived us into thinking that we do not have to obey—did God really say that? We are not thinking clearly. If God did not spare His Son, Jesus from a harsh death on Calvary, we are wrong in thinking a Christian’s life is one of choosing how we obey God? Surrender, faith, trust, obedience, praying, and studying the Bible are nonnegotiable righteous characteristics that every Christian must possess.

“And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, ‘My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.’ ” —Matthew 26:39

The foundation of Christianity is Christ. In His earthly life, Jesus was required to learn obedience. Jesus obeyed His Joseph and Mary, the Roman laws, and God, His Heavenly Father. The Commander of Angel Armies never had to obey in heaven, His mind has always been in Holy and Righteous alignment with the mind of God, His Father. Yet, Christ, the Son of Man demonstrated the humility and obedience that is required to please God.

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.…” —Isaiah 55:8-9

Jesus also studied the Scriptures. No one is exempt from God’s requirement of having first-hand knowledge of the Truth of God’s Written Word. The Holy Scriptures provide us with the spiritual guidance to live righteously. We cannot guess or develop human-made standards to live holy and acceptable lives. The Scriptures clearly outline Jesus’ Righteous expectations of His followers.

“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.” —John 14:26

Without praying for wisdom and discernment from the Holy Spirit we will not have an accurate spiritual understanding of the Truth of the Holy Scriptures.

“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.” —2 Peter 2:1-2

Peter warns us of false prophets. Not everyone preaching from the Bible is intentionally trying to deceive others. Yet, they self-interpret based on their knowledge and lead others astray.

Before you accept the content of a sermon, video, or post, compare it to the Bible. We do not have to learn the Truth second-handedly. Revelation of God’s Truth is just a prayer away. Seek knowledge for yourself under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

With all the spiritual help we have available to us, there is one thing that God can never do, He cannot make us love Him or Jesus! Without a heart filled with love for Christ [who is our Mediator] along with daily surrender and dedication, we will not choose Jesus or desire to walk on the narrow Path of Righteousness.

Reflection: Is my life in harmony with God’s Commandments? Compare your religious beliefs with the Bible. You may be shocked to find that many aspects of what you have been taught are not Bible-based!

Our lives must be Christ-Centered and Bible-based. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your spiritual status. Truthfully, you know if Jesus came today whether or not heaven would be your destiny.

Beware of Destructive Doctrines! God is not willing that any should perish. Obey God, not your pastor, family, and friends. If you pray for wisdom, the Holy Spirit will speak to you through the Scriptures and your conscience. When we receive Divine revelation, we feel it deep within our souls that God is speaking to us. Pray for the revelation of all habits, beliefs, and character traits that are preventing you from having eternal life.

Scripture: “Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble…” 2 Peter 1:10, the first part

Prayer: God, we realize the reason we do not pray and study the Scriptures is that we do not love You with all of our hearts, souls, and minds. We repent for not studying the Scriptures and having daily communication with You through prayer. Please reveal the distractions, doctrines, and false beliefs that prevent us from loving You as we should. We ask You to cleanse us from all unrighteousness and anoint us with the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. We ask this prayer in the Worthy Name of Jesus. Amen.

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