THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPECTANCY

THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPECTANCY

Did you know Jesus said He’s coming like a thief in the night? A thief doesn’t give you a call and say, “I’m coming to your house tonight.” No, he comes to rob, steal and destroy like his father Satan. I bet you didn’t know that those who habitually sin, even though they might call themselves Christians, aren’t followers of Jesus. Please read First John 3 for an “eye opener”. We, who are expectant of the return of Jesus avoid sin like it’s a coiled up rattlesnake. Sin is from following the evil one instead of our Lord.

When a born again Christian sins, we have an advocate or lawyer sitting next to the Father in Heaven. Jesus Christ is the One who defends and discipline us. He said His discipline proves we belong to Him. I ask for it all the time for I know any sin “temporally” separates me from Him. Unless we understand how fowl and hateful sin is in God’s sight, we will be open to the devil’s suggestions. God knew we are going to “miss the mark” from time to time so He gave us the wonderful gift of instant cleansing. First John 1:9 is like a “get out of jail” card. We use it when we’re truly sorry for our actions and words that hurt Jesus.

I believe with all my heart that most folks attending worship services don’t expect God to do anything. Jesus said, “The things I do [miracles] you will do and even greater ones shall you do as I go to the Father that the Father might be glorified in the Son.“ For reasons known only to God we’ve either forgotten He said it or have chosen to ignore it. The result is often a congregation devoid of the joy and excitement that drew thousands to seek Jesus in His ministry. Do you recall Jesus fed 5,000 and 4,000 men not counting the women and children who came to be with Him? Why do you think they came? Was it not to see the cripples walk, the blind see, the deaf to hear? Of course it was. He even touched the lepers who were instantly cleansed and made whole and went away rejoicing.

Can it different now? Yes, but will we is the question. Why not begin to go to worship services or where Christians gather in the Name of Jesus “expectant” He will answer your prayers in a magnificent way? He has shown me He healed us the same day He saved us. When Jesus suffered death on the Cross His body was lacerated by a scourge. The many wounds from the beating left stripes on Him. Isaiah 53 and First Peter 2 tell us by them are we healed. It’s up to us to believe it.

We need to see His stripes as full “payment” for our illnesses and diseases. Even our injuries are covered by the stripes. He only requires us to believe it. Some might say, “I don’t have enough faith.“ My reply is you must have some, use what you have. You can even add the statement of the man who was pleading for his son to be delivered. “Lord, I believe but help my unbelief.“ Jesus instantly responded to this man’s honesty. He desperately wanted his child well and safe and believed on Jesus with what he had. Do you think he would have come had he not “known” Jesus would help him?

We Christians need to live in faith. Not a “Catholic” faith, “Baptist” faith, “Anglican” faith but a simple faith that God will always do what He’s said He would do. Dr. T.L. Osborn learned this and God used him all over the world “doing what Jesus did”. His book Healing the Sick is a classic. I’ve given away over a thousand copies where he teaches from the scriptures how God will heal and save those who place their trust in Jesus. How about you? Are you 100% sure you will go to Heaven when you die? I heard a preacher say, if you’re only 99% sure, you are 100% lost. Few seem to understand that with God it’s all or nothing. A child isn’t 99% born when it’s cord is cut. We aren’t 99% “born again” when we trust the death and resurrection of Jesus as our own we are 100% His.

If you aren’t born again “yet” what in the world are you waiting on? If it isn’t being preached or taught where you go, RUN for your life. You’ve been receiving a “form of religion” instead of the chance to become a brand new person. Once we repent and receive Jesus [His Spirit or Breath] we’ve become saints [holy ones or true believers]. We’re now enrolled in the Book of Life. Now, as a child of God we are able to serve Him by loving the lost and sharing our testimonies. We’ve become servants that actually serve or do something. Not just anything but as Ephesians 2:10 teaches, “doing the things that God Himself has planned beforehand.“ Are you willing to die your old life? Tell Jesus and ask Him to save your soul. He came to die so His Blood could wash you clean of our sins. He will also make you whole in body, soul and spirit. It’s up to you and no one else. I’m praying for you.

In His Service,

Capt. Ben Marler


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