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What's In It For Me?
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 Most of us are interested in what type of benefits are included with the work that we will be doing when considering a new job, and there is nothing inherently wrong with this. When Peter asked almost this same type of question of the Lord Jesus concerning what they who had left all to follow Him would receive, the Lord did not rebuke Peter for asking. (Mt.19:27-30) This brings up the question of what benefits are involved in being a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. Are the benefits only in Heaven or are there some to be experienced here and now? Dr. Donald G. Barnhouse has said, "We learn in life that anticipation plays a great part in all our development." Anticipation of the great benefits to be had in Heaven with Christ spur us on and motivate us to be faithful to Him right now, but even more is included in this. As we grow in the grace and the knowledge of Christ right here and now as believers, we are also fulfilled and blessed in life no matter what the circumstances because we are growing deeper into fellowship with the Lord.
Yet there is even more! Believers who are growing in grace and knowledge of Christ are learning more and more about just who Christ is and what He has done for them. The more we know Him, the more we love Him and want to please Him. Dr. Barnhouse has commented, "There is greater and greater joy for the Father when children can be manifested as adult sons." We actually bring joy to God's heart the more we become like Jesus Christ! This is His goal for every believer, and the more we become like Him, the more joy we receive as well as the joy that fills the Father's holy heart. So, when we think of the benefits that are in the Christisn life for us, though many of these come by means of suffering, we can realize that God always works toward remaking us in the image of His Son no matter the trial or pain! The BBN BI is pleased to offer Dr. Barnhouse as the instructor in the Bible course, "The Benefits of the New Life." It is course number 21100 in the BBN BI (www.bbnbi.org). We trust you will come away from this course with a renewed joy in getting to know his Savior who is his very Life! (Col.3:1-4) |
Written By:
David Wyatt
Date Posted:
3/17/2009 1:53 PM
Number of Views:
1416
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