CONTINUE...

“If ye continue in my Word, then are ye my disciples indeed.”

(John 8:31)

“If” … that two letter word is a big deal. The word “if” creates a contingency… a stated result or outcome is contingent upon the fulfillment of a stated request or requirement. Examples in scripture are many, but here are just a few:

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” (John 15:7)

Jesus said, if we CONTINUE... The statement implies that there was a possibility that Jesus’ disciples would not just automatically continue in His Word, no matter what. All of us know of individuals that used to live for God, walk with God and serve God, but today… they live a different lifestyle, are out of church and out of fellowship with God and His people. Not everyone that starts with God finishes with God. The Lord is not going to rapture people out of bars, brothels and beds of adultery regardless of one’s past profession. Jesus’ words in John 8:31 underscore the importance of us continuing in God and His Word.

Three reasons to CONTINUE in God and His Word:

1) Heaven. Heaven is a prepared place for a prepared people. There is nothing in this world worth missing Heaven over. Jesus described our eternal home in John 14:1-3. No sickness, suffering or sin in this amazing place called Heaven. One moment in Heaven will be worth whatever it takes to get there.

2) Hell. Hell is real and people go there (Luke 16:19-31). Hell will not be populated with

just those who never knew God. There will be those there, that once walked with God, but because of people, problems and the pressures of life, they did not continue in their relationship with the Lord. With faith and fortitude, we absolutely must CONTINUE in our walk with God.

3) Family. Our choices influence people toward God or away from God. Our children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters are watching---you, nor I want to be the reason they miss Heaven.

Today is a good day to determine that we will CONTINUE on with God regardless of obstacles and opposition. God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. Our ongoing faith in Christ and His Presence in us enables us to CONTINUE in spite of fears, friction, feelings and failures.