Submitting to the Lord
How should we seek the Lord?
Jeremiah 29:13
Our sinful nature separates us from God but
the desire of His heart is that we should earnestly seek Him. It is only when
the whole heart is surrendered that we can be restored into His likeness.
What is our condition without God's intervention?
Ephesians 2:1 Jeremiah 17:9
God desires to heal us and to set us free from the
bondage of sin. The battle we fight against self is the greatest battle we will
ever fight. The giving of ourselves by turning over all to the will of God is a
struggle. Our heart must be willing to respond to God before it can be made new
and holy.
What invitation given by God allows freedom of
choice?
Isaiah 1:18
The way God rules over us is reasonable and
appeals to our conscience. "Come now let us reason together" is the Creators
invitation to us. God does not force us to follow Him against our will.
What must we be willing to do when we come to the Lord?
Luke 14:33
When we give ourselves to God it is necessary for
us to give up all things that would separate us from Him. Anything that draws
our heart away from God must be given up. We cannot be half God's and half the
world's. We are only God's when we give all. But isn't it worth it, in
comparison with all that Jesus gave up for us!
Can we earn way to heaven?
Ephesians 2:8-9
When Christ lives in our hearts, our soul will be
so filled with His love and with the joy of being close to Him that we will
cling to Him. When we think of Him we will forget about ourselves, and love to
Christ will be the reason for obedience. Those who feel the powerful love of God
do not ask how little they may do to, but how much they can do for their Savior!
So what has Christ done that we might be saved?
Isaiah 53:5-6
Do you feel like it is sacrificing too much to give everything to Jesus? The Son
of God gave all; He gave His life, His love; He suffered so that we can be
saved! Can we look at Jesus, who died for our sins, and still be willing to
reject His love and great sacrifice for us?
Why should we feel sorrow and shame for our sins?
Isaiah 53:12
Jesus was the perfect, sinless Prince of heaven and yet for us He was counted
with transgressors and bore our sins. When we give all, we give Jesus our sinful
dirty heart, and He cleanses us and gives a new heart and puts His spirit within
us. Praise God for His abundant mercy!
When we come to the Lord what should be our goal in all things?
Matthew 6:33
No real joy can found by seeking the pleasures of
this world. When we come to the Lord He does not ask us to give up anything that
is good for us to keep. In all that He does, He is always looking out for the
good of His children.
What promise can we claim as children of God?
Philippians 4:19
The true, happy life of the soul is to have Jesus living in it.
How can I become a child of God?
Joshua 24:15
Will all be saved who desire to be?
Matthew 7:21
Desires for goodness and holiness are right as far
as they go, but if you stop there, they will not bring you any results. Many
will be lost hoping and desiring to be Christians because they chose a life of
selfishness and sin instead of giving their heart to Jesus. They did not come to
the point of giving their will to God. They did not make the choice to really
become followers of Jesus. By giving up your will to Christ, you connect
yourself with the Power that is above all kingdoms and all other powers. You
will have strength from above to hold you secure, and by always surrendering to
God you will be given the ability to live a new life of faith.
It is our hope and deepest prayer that you will surrender your life to Jesus
today (and everyday); and find the joy, peace, and happiness that comes from
being a follower of the Great Shepard!