Msg #2033 A Cross-eyed Bear

What The Bible Says Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

Article created: 2020/08/20

Msg #2033 A Cross-eyed Bear

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

Make no mistake, the LORD God wants everyone to come to supper and has made arrangements that “whosoever will” may come, but when one gets up from supper, illustrating salvation, and steps up to be a disciple, Jesus warns that there is a cross-eyed bear to be encountered (Luke14:25-35, cf 27). There is a foggy line between salvation and discipleship. In the Bible salvation is never likened to building a tower or going to war, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that, not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Eph2:8), but discipleship is likened to these, and any true disciple can attest to that likeness. Evangelist Harold Boyd regularly preached, “If you didn't get enough salvation to get you into church, you probably didn't get enough to get you into heaven either.” There may be some who believe and never grow, but they are rare abnormalities. The stony soil of Matt13:5-6,20,21, Mark 4:5-6,16-17. and Luke4:6,13 bears no fruit, and likely represents the unsaved. You discern believers like the wind (John3:8) but “disciples” by their fruit (John15:8), by their love (13:35), by their obedience (14:15) and by their continuance (8:31 cf 2Pet1:9).

So one being a disciple will involve bearing his cross as in Luke 14:27, Matt 10:38, 16:24, Mark 8:34, and 10:21. It don't take an artist to sketch a cartoon of a cross-eyed bear in the margin of your Bible near these five verses. Then, to add depth, sketch one in the margin next to Gal 6:14, Phil 2:8, and Col 2:14. Cross reference each verse so you can trail that bear and you have an excellent reminder of your calling as a disciple. That little bear pops off the page eight times as I read my Bible through annually. God Bless.

An Essay for week #33 Aug 16, 2020

Msg in audio at www.GSBaptistChurch.com/audio/gs200816.mp3

Good Samaritan Baptist Church

54 Main St. Box 99

Dresden, NY 14441