3.7.13

John 8,31: "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed." KJ

Isaiah 66,4: "... when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear."

Romans 5,17: "For if by one man's offence [Adam] death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ."

Romans 5,17, if we break it down to it's biblical essentials, says that our ongoing repentant faith in Jesus affords us an ongoing abundance of grace.

With this abundance of grace (God is not stingy with Himself), we share in Jesus' eternal kingship, even now in this life, even as we await the full transformation of earth unto the kingdom of God.

Yet, our part in Jesus' reign now, and entrance into the banquet later, is conditioned upon our living by faith, on continuing to receive his word (John 8,31), a living faith that allows us to hear God's voice afresh, and then the courage to do what he says in a timely way.

This hearing and obeying sounds so simple.

But this ancient faith practice requires the highest respect for both the written word and the word God is speaking here and now, that lines up with the written word.

It also takes Spiritual discipline and alertness to hear Jesus' voice above the rest, and then great faith courage to do what he says.

Hearing and obeying is easier said than done.

But the alternative is grim- hearts that wax gross, ears grown dull, eyes closed or wincing in denial, precious souls left unconverted and unhealed (cf Acts 28,27).

So, hearing and obeying, ends up being a real challenge as we continue following Jesus, but it affords a faith lifestyle with great rewards.