12/18/2021
Pastor Raymond Thomas preached a message from Mark 8:34- 37 titled What's the Value of a Man's Soul? He shared the definition for these words: Saved-sozo-to save, salvation; Life-psuchegk-to breath the breath of life; Benefit-opheleo to profit on benefit, useful to you or others; Soul-life.
When Jesus said, if your intention is to come with me and to be a part of my kingdom, you must let me lead you. You are not the driver. I AM. In my kingdom there is a way of functioning. My ways are not your ways. You cannot make your way in this kingdom. Self-help does not work in the kingdom of God, but sacrifice.
Israel had a history of disobedience. They heard about a king that would come, overcome, and defeat their enemies. But they continually fell back into disobedience against God. Their focus was on natural issues, but the coming King was coming to address spiritual matters. In the Kingdom, God has set the order. Scripture says there is a way that seems right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (Proverbs 14:12). Jesus came that you might have life. God gave Jesus, the gift of salvation to all mankind. I will show you how to embrace this new Kingdom. Romans 10:9 says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him form the dead, thou shalt be saved.” Self-help does not work in the Kingdom, but self-sacrifice.
Israel had a history of disobedience. They heard about this king that would come and defeat their enemies and overcome, but they continually fell back into disobedience. Under new management they were focused on natural victory when HE was speaking about spiritual matters. They were not on the same page. Israel’s enemies saw God deliver them again and again. God sent His Word to a dying world.
God provides salvation for those who confess their sins, repent of their sins, turn away from sin, and turn to follow God and His ways. God sees the intent of the heart. He changes your mind with His word that you believe and accept as truth.
1-We are to value the spiritual above the natural: let go of your will and value HIS life given for you.
2-Placing value on selfish desires, the material world, and culture of living is not eternally sound. What will it profit you to become the richest man in the world, but wake up to eternal damnation? Scripture says, today is the day of salvation (2Corinthians 6:2). It would be foolish to trade away you’re gift of salvation from God thru Jesus. Don’t sell your soul to the devil. Instead, be strong and courageous in your faith in God and Jesus’ love for you. Repent today, come to Jesus, and be saved. Don’t be like Esau who sold his birthright for a bowl of soup or like Judas who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.
When Jesus was tempted by satan, He aways responded with the word of God. Scripture says, “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
Practical Application:
1-First, decide what you want-which team are you on-whom will you serve?
2-Stop making excuses-choose God
3-Deny yourself-place your desires under God’s will: stop doing you & follow Him: set a place in your life for prayer, bible study, praise and worship: get to know God’s character and ways
4-Declare your faith publicly: share a post on FB, write a blob, talk to a co-worker or family member
Let God have His way in your life.
