VFNRadio Second Hour May 13, 2014

LISTEN NOW! John, Pat, and Steve discuss the importance of making commitments to Jesus.  John discusses how he was driving down the street and noticed a billboard which proudly displayed a Marine with the caption which read “We don’t take applications, we take commitments.”  They continued to discuss how the Marines have a reputation for being an elite, tough branch of the military and are known for their toughness.   It is an honor to be a part of them for they are just looking for a few good men.   They further discuss how Jesus too is not looking for an application but he is looking for commitments.  Today many have bought into a false gospel message that is being preached where Jesus is presented and received as a lucky rabbit’s foot, a good luck charm, as a spiritual atm but not as Lord.  We are living in unprecedented times where now more than any other time there is so much available in terms of Christian helps such as books, videos and downloadable sermons yet it has not produced the depth and commitment one would think a believer should have based upon all that it available to them.  George Barana, of Barna Group shares that 81 % of the church doesn’t even read their Bible.  False converts are produced when false gospel messages are shared.  We come to God not for what He can do for us but because He is simply God.  The only reason we are alive today is to walk in united fellowship with Him.  Jesus didn’t come to give our lives an upgrade.  He came to save our lives from the pit of hell and to save us to himself.   Jesus is not looking for those who are happy to hang around the cross he is looking for ones who are willing to get on the cross. 

John, Pat, and Steve discuss the secret to having a blessed life.  They discuss how many today want blessing and prosperity in their life and are willing to do anything in some cases to acquire what they perceive as wealth.  However they continue to discuss that wealth comes from God.  Proverbs 10:22 “The blessing of the Lord brings wealth and he adds not trouble to it.”  There is such a thing as ill- gotten gain and any gain that comes from evil and deceptive practices always comes with trouble.  Many desire to have a blessed life and God desires to bless their life but there is a secret, a way, a key that opens the door for the blessing of the Lord upon our lives.  Many today want God’s hand upon their life and desire his blessing but are they willing to positions themselves to receive the blessing of the Lord.  Nehemiah said because “the gracious hand of the Lord was upon me the King granted my request.”  When God puts His hands on us things happen and blessings come upon us and overtake us.  Some desire the blessing apart from doing what they need to do to be blessed.  They continue to share that the secret to having a blessed life is to live an obedient life before the Lord by living a life that lines up with God’s word, His will, and His ways.  They further discuss how the many blessings found in Deuteronomy 28 that come upon those who fully obey the Lord.   The secret is quite simple – obedience.  It’s just simply foolish and futile to expect a blessing from God when living a disobedient life.  The Lord’s blessings are in great abundance for he surely knows how to bless those who are truly His.