PERSON and PRINCIPLE OF JESUS

Jesus taught his disciples to follow his Principles, not just his Person. I grew up in church. I heard a lot about traditions, religion and emotions, but very little about the Principles of Jesus. As you may agree with me, it was a surprise to me when I first read the verse: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31).

 

While it is true, salvation is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, however, there is another side to this relationship that cannot be ignored. The other side of the Person of Jesus is the Principles of Jesus. The true value of any coin includes both sides of the coin. And if you receive a minted coin with only one side stamped, then it’s either fake or wrongfully minted.

The same could be said of a relationship with Jesus Christ. If we confess we believe in Jesus Christ but DO not follow his Principles, then what actually is it that we believe? Jesus explained this in a very strong way:

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.  22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?'  23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' (Matt 7:21-23).

It is possible for we to want to accept and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ but reject his call for how we are to live. I have confronted this my whole Christian life. Literally in every church, every state, and over thirty countries I’ve ministered in, it is the same. It is easy to accept the Person of Jesus and reject the Principles of Jesus. Loving Jesus’ Person is easy, loving his Principles – well, now that is tough.

To fully follow Jesus Christ and enjoy the benefits of such a divine personal relationship is impossible without following his divine Principles as well. To know and have a personal relationship with Jesus is wonderful, but likewise to know and have a relationship with his Principles; how he thinks, talks, behaves, gives, serves and love is the real relationship.

© 2013 Dr Tim McClure

EVERY EXPERT STARTED AS A BEGINNER

I woke up this morning and was doing some research for a counseling session and the Lord spoke to me and said; “Every expert started as a beginner.”  This wasn’t my topic of counseling, but I wrote it down anyway.  As I went on through the day, this word continued to speak to me.

Listen, perhaps you like me many years ago have found yourself today, not in the place where you thought you would not be nor where you want to be.  Perhaps you are mauling over the many mistakes, failures or even failed attempts at what you “would have liked to have accomplished” and just don’t have the Oomph to move forward. I have a word from God for you: “Every Expert started as a Beginner.”

 

That’s right, Abraham had to take his first step and move away from his failed past in order to “search for a city whose builder and maker is God.”  Even Moses had to leave Egypt before he could think of moving into the Promiseland.  Yes, even David had to pick up a simple stone before he ever slew a giant. 

 

Dare I attempt to walk through history and bring up the thousands of philosophers, inventors, generals, Kings and Queens, Prime Ministers or Presidents who before their fame was ever known, they took one step forward. Einstein had to learn addition before he ever invented the “Theory of Relativity.”

 

You, and I do mean you can become an expert at whatever your heart’s passion and life long quest has unfolded before you – if you dare mustard up enough courage to take your first step.  Experts are not born, they begin.  Go ahead and begin today.

© 2013 Dr Tim McClure