Continuing the subject of Christ's daily life on earth as an example of multiple gifts and responsibilities
I feel it is good once again before entering this subject in detail to stand back and examine Christ's sayings on counting the cost to be a Disciple ( Luke 14:28). Before that; I also thought that we should ponder our trust level with Christ; such as the example C.S. Lewis mentioned about Christ; "He is either a liar; lunatic or was who He said He was" (Mere Chrisitianity). This can be expanded as far as I can tell to what He said in regard to being a true Disciple. Again; with Paul's example we see a more extended campaign both in time and distance covered in his four major evangelical Mediterranean journeys. The assurance that the prize was reached wouldn't come until the end ( Philippians 3:12:14; compare with 2 Timothy 4:7-8 at the end of His life). We are also humbly reminded of how many fell away at the time when Paul needed them the most ( 2 Timothy 4:16) which is interestingly right after the aformentioned passage in Timothy.
These things are necessary to discuss because we dare not look just with curiosity at all the things Christ did. It is clear that; for the most part we are not going to do miracles the Apostles did. Also; most of us are laypersons; and involved with marriages; or employment and our focus is meant to be in our local churches. This shouldn't limit us; especially with gifts and callings of full time evangelism or other mission field opportunities (including short term ventures). Today; more than ever EXAMPLES of individuals mature in the faith are rare; so we certainly need to be building church members up to maturity; for their own sakes and that of the next generation.
Proverbs 16:9 shows how man plans His way; but God directs his steps. We can't do anything without the Spirit; and to multitask on the go as Christ did takes total trust to a new level in God's provision. It is also all out spiritual warfare.
I feel it is good once again before entering this subject in detail to stand back and examine Christ's sayings on counting the cost to be a Disciple ( Luke 14:28). Before that; I also thought that we should ponder our trust level with Christ; such as the example C.S. Lewis mentioned about Christ; "He is either a liar; lunatic or was who He said He was" (Mere Chrisitianity). This can be expanded as far as I can tell to what He said in regard to being a true Disciple. Again; with Paul's example we see a more extended campaign both in time and distance covered in his four major evangelical Mediterranean journeys. The assurance that the prize was reached wouldn't come until the end ( Philippians 3:12:14; compare with 2 Timothy 4:7-8 at the end of His life). We are also humbly reminded of how many fell away at the time when Paul needed them the most ( 2 Timothy 4:16) which is interestingly right after the aformentioned passage in Timothy.
These things are necessary to discuss because we dare not look just with curiosity at all the things Christ did. It is clear that; for the most part we are not going to do miracles the Apostles did. Also; most of us are laypersons; and involved with marriages; or employment and our focus is meant to be in our local churches. This shouldn't limit us; especially with gifts and callings of full time evangelism or other mission field opportunities (including short term ventures). Today; more than ever EXAMPLES of individuals mature in the faith are rare; so we certainly need to be building church members up to maturity; for their own sakes and that of the next generation.
Proverbs 16:9 shows how man plans His way; but God directs his steps. We can't do anything without the Spirit; and to multitask on the go as Christ did takes total trust to a new level in God's provision. It is also all out spiritual warfare.
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