Choose God By Being Obedient

Speaker: Archbishop Loren Thomas Hines

July 02, 2023

in Spritual Growth

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365

July 2, 2023
Readings: Isaiah 2:10-17
Romans 6:3-11
Matthew 10: 34-42

Sometimes we may find some scriptures “confusing.” But it’s actually our own misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the scriptures. One such example is; “He does not come to bring peace but a sword.” Because in order for peace to be established, He must first destroy sin. Choose you this day whom you will serve- will it be life or death. Christ came for one purpose- to destroy the works of the enemy. In order for us to be restored to the family of God, He had to come with a sword and that is to separate us from sin. Hebrews 2:14 “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” The evil one has been rendered powerless. We are the Temple of the Holy Spirit and He lives in us. In the Old Testament, it was only the High Priest who could enter into the Holy of Holies and if there be any impurity in him he would not come out alive.

We have the choice to choose God by obeying His voice and holding fast to His Word. This should be our foundation for life. We may be living in the New Testament, but we cannot do away with history. We cannot disregard principles. We need to value our foundation. In the family structure, while parents have their place of importance, we still need to follow God primarily. In church, we are to follow Christ primarily and not religion or the doctrines. These are only guidelines. Christ should be priority. When it comes to our obedience, God should be first. The respect for family is there, but the primary obedience we should give is to God.

We need to understand the value of what Christ is saying. How do we live out the life He has intended for us to live? It is being obedient to Him. We have been baptized into His death. Sin should have no power to consume us. But if we do not choose Him, we are literally allowing the enemy to control us. God is the Source. We are to listen and commit to Him. If our own goals do not align with God’s, we need to set them aside. What is important is what Christ wants us to be. Then we will have peace in our lives. It is when we choose to be obedient to God.