Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Reflection - Spiritual Journey - Christlikeness is God's highest purpose

Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 6, "Becoming Christlike", Question 1, Page 37.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012

 Would you agree that Christlikeness is God's highest purpose for His people?
PHOTO: Would you agree that Christlikeness is God's highest purpose for His people?
What is God's central purpose for His people? That was the question John Stott spent many years trying to answer. He explored various answers, but finally found one that brought him deep satisfaction. He wrote about it in his last book, The Radical Disciple: "God wants his people to become like Christ, for Christlikeness is the will of God for the people of God" (emphasis added).

Many other Christian writers and theologians agree. For example, Eugene Peterson asserts: "The goal for Christians is God's work of salvation and the means is Jesus." Likewise, the many writings of Dallas Willard (The Divine Conspiracy, The Great Omission, The Renovation of the Heart) underline this point. Willard defines sanctification as "the process of forming the inner world of the human self in such a way that it takes on the character of the inner being of Jesus himself."

This point is emphasised in Scripture. We read in Romans 8:29: "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son" (emphasis added). The purpose of our salvation is for us to bear the likeness of Christ. We may have to question our salvation if we are not growing in Christlikeness.

Many years ago, I was invited to the birthday party of a wealthy man. The organisers of the party gave each guest a mask in the likeness of the man's face to be worn before he arrived. When the unsuspecting man stepped out of his car, he nearly died of shock as he saw a sea of masks resembling his face.

Later, I reflected on this incident and wondered if hell would be like that - would it be a place where one wakes up to see nothing but his own face? Would God condemn self-centred people to an eternity of being surrounded by themselves? I believe that would be a terrible torment.

Conversely, would heaven be a place where we wake up and are surrounded by the face of Christ? Of course, heaven is where the Lamb of God will take central place. But is it also not true that those who dwell in heaven will look like Christ? If God's purpose is fulfilled and God's promise that when Christ returns, "we shall be like him" (1 John 3:2) is accomplished, will not heaven's residents bear a family resemblance to the Son of God? Heaven would be heaven because we will see Christ everywhere - including on the faces of the redeemed.

 
Because this is true, we need to ensure that we are growing in Christlikeness, even as we continue to grow in age. The more time passes, the more we should resemble Christ in our character - in holiness, love, compassion, justice, wisdom, patience, gentleness, and so on.


Make a list of what would characterise Christlikeness.
In Scripture we read about the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), which is in fact, the very character of Christ. As the Holy Spirit dwells in us and helps us to bear fruit, we will grow in Christlikeness. It is a process that is enabled by God's grace and power.

The list of what would characterise Christlikeness, as in Galatians 5:22-23:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."


Assess your own progress in this area, and the possible reasons for your progress, or lack thereof.
In Psalm 115:8, we read that those who make idols and trust in them will be like them. The principle is that whatever you look at regularly will be what you end up looking like. This may explain why many couples tend to look alike over time, or why in pet-master lookalike competitions, a man may look like his bulldog or a woman like her cat. And perhaps, this is also why folk wisdom is reflected when we say so-and-so is money-faced. If you keep on looking at money, you will end up looking like it!

Ray Pritchard rightly reminds us that reasons for our progress in being Christlike is because of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. When the Holy Spirit has free reign in our hearts, these graces are the supernatural result of his work in us. That’s what the Holy Spirit produces in someone who walks by the Spirit. And we will see them all on display. We are filled with love, with joy, with peace. In every relationship we exhibit that patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that mark us as God’s own. We can see the character of Christ being demonstrated through those whom He redeems.

The reason for the lack of our progress in being Christlike is because of the "works of the flesh". The human heart is full of the manifold evils, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality... (Galatians 5:19). The flesh produces “dead works” (Hebrews 9:14). The deeds of the flesh prevent us from cultivating our character, to produce Christlikeness by ourselves. We can attempt to cover the "garbage" of sin in our life, but garbage is still garbage. Only those who are in Christ will manifest the evidence of His character by the indwelling Spirit.

I confess that I make little or no progress in being Christlike. I am so indulged in work for income to fulfill our daily expenditures, and other financial commitment. Also, I did try to hide the tendency to become very money-faced. Although with deliberate efforts to earn more money, it seems that money is always not enough. Lust too, is also one of my weakness. I tend to look at beautiful ladies. But no, the more I look at them, I don't become a beautiful person. I become like an UFO (Ugly, Fat, and Old) instead. The list can go on, but whether it’s grumbling against God or having other gods before Him or failing to love others or pride or lust or greed or selfishness, I’ve sinned against God more times than I can count. Time passed quickly, and in my retirement journey, I realise that with just my own effort alone is not the healthy path to eternal life.

Unless regenerated by the Holy Spirit I will find myself living in frustration while trying to produce a character which is not of our nature. Jesus told Nicodemus that "Unless a man is born again he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). Jesus explains that to be "born again" is to be born of the Holy Spirit (John 3:6). [2] As my 'work of the flesh' can produces only sin; it cannot manufacture a changed life. I want to apply to God for it. Left to myself, I will produce the “works of the flesh.” Only when God enters my life will I discover Christlikeness.

The cross of Christ is sufficient for the salvation of the worst of sinners. There’s nothing for us to do, except to look unto Him in faith and He will save us. Whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.” (John 3:15). When we will believe in Jesus, the remedy is 100-percent effective. He says (John 6:37), “The one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.Hence our desperate need for Christ because only he alone can save us.

Being Christlike is only possible when we cooperate with the Holy Spirit who lives in us. We must seek it, ask for it, and yield ourselves to God that we might have it. Christlikeness is produced in us by the Holy Spirit as we cooperate day by day with him. I pray for His help to be Christlike. For any real progress in this area, I urgently need His protection from all the dangers, guidance, correction, care, provision, and love.

Picture saved by Mikaela Pozon to Way of Beauty
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AYy2DsS1JzucQZzEObq4rPh1EEQlOKZvCKu3Vp0kbsUhwZKIaUsZ292jQMWt-el0nGQeXlNvg2Z9c1r1yKj-YaYEkzPYZrJ8ncxIIl8XHSRFKXNTamBT4LF5kNXUL9QpGnr_uRkPXtQ/s1600/c4507f7f7d0afea1a34a777d2058c74e.gif
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c4/50/7f/c4507f7f7d0afea1a34a777d2058c74e.gif
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AZo0ITnG8r-grTwV64sgMSkmXVSFPfzu7FurrNFtKl4R9xtAGwEajKs/



Would you agree that Christlikeness is God's highest purpose for His people? Make a list of what would characterise Christlikeness. Assess your own progress in this area, and the possible reasons for your progress, or lack thereof.

Would you agree that Christlikeness is God's highest purpose for His people?

What is God's central purpose for His people? That was the question John Stott spent many years trying to answer. He explored various answers, but finally found one that brought him deep satisfaction. He wrote about it in his last book, The Radical Disciple: "God wants his people to become like Christ, for Christlikeness is the will of God for the people of God" (emphasis added). [25]

 

What is God's central purpose for His people?
PHOTO: What is God's central purpose for His people?
"God wants his people to become like Christ, for Christlikeness is the will of God for the people of God"
Picture posted by by-grace-of-god in 2014
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGKffKgUACy393hP-FShj1aHUKHjJoiSNwMXVuwdsVE90YhZbMjt2qH7tibIR-GOEm96V6kqnPSL-q68gFXEFkW7DCE2d74hc3DeOttEuwOM4vu_-71cXbUJ3tPTkwBVUznFvC1VvMCM/s1600/1553529_orig.gif
https://jesusisbeautiful.weebly.com/uploads/6/7/1/2/6712526/1553529_orig.gif
https://jesusisbeautiful.weebly.com/jesus-in-nature.html



Many other Christian writers and theologians agree. For example, Eugene Peterson asserts: "The goal for Christians is God's work of salvation and the means is Jesus." [26] Likewise, the many writings of Dallas Willard (The Divine Conspiracy, The Great Omission, The Renovation of the Heart) underline this point. Willard defines sanctification as "the process of forming the inner world of the human self in such a way that it takes on the character of the inner being of Jesus himself." [27]

 

Eugene Peterson asserts
PHOTO: Eugene Peterson asserts: "The goal for Christians is God's work of salvation and the means is Jesus." Dallas Willard defines sanctification as "the process of forming the inner world of the human self in such a way that it takes on the character of the inner being of Jesus himself."
Art by Yongsung Kim

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOR9d61FLQziPzIb6fdsvTl4iEOddRpRIFJyxkkLako_D19uN7QApDyGx2IuZPjw4fay5cKaOkLCRcbBgmsVhCMhqrCDoELi3F3TrogxcNEifmDGuuCw1QwYaMrahsiMytYPkZRakLvX4/s1600/tumblr_n4psjhTZV61s9od7wo6_r1_1280.jpg
https://66.media.tumblr.com/0d4a4c776b64b086c856e2bd569264c3/tumblr_n4psjhTZV61s9od7wo6_r1_1280.jpg
https://by-grace-of-god.tumblr.com/post/86251124820/art-by-yongsung-kim



This point is emphasised in Scripture. We read in Romans 8:29: "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son" (emphasis added). The purpose of our salvation is for us to bear the likeness of Christ. We may have to question our salvation if we are not growing in Christlikeness.



We read in Romans 8:29
PHOTO: We read in Romans 8:29: "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son". The purpose of our salvation is for us to bear the likeness of Christ. We may have to question our salvation if we are not growing in Christlikeness.
Picture posted by Fr. Jewel Aytona, The Fathers of Mercy

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRDdm_oxioA93VkeGN4eSo9-bkC5zcbukXpiEgyIdZz539bJPCVIX2irpHuOPYZx8l60FPo9xaFgfchp3BmJm5SL-zZYq7DRQ6JPbIjfEQpQCnZ6kWY8X7eRnRH_mrEkbWAFDpTTHee1g/s1600/Jesus-reflection-in-mirror.gif
https://fathersofmercy.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Jesus-reflection-in-mirror.gif
https://fathersofmercy.com/jesus-looks/



Many years ago, I was invited to the birthday party of a wealthy man. The organisers of the party gave each guest a mask in the likeness of the man's face to be worn before he arrived. When the unsuspecting man stepped out of his car, he nearly died of shock as he saw a sea of masks resembling his face.

Later, I reflected on this incident and wondered if hell would be like that - would it be a place where one wakes up to see nothing but his own face? Would God condemn self-centred people to an eternity of being surrounded by themselves? I believe that would be a terrible torment.

Conversely, would heaven be a place where we wake up and are surrounded by the face of Christ? Of course, heaven is where the Lamb of God will take central place. But is it also not true that those who dwell in heaven will look like Christ? If God's purpose is fulfilled and God's promise that when Christ returns, "we shall be like him" (1 John 3:2) is accomplished, will not heaven's residents bear a family resemblance to the Son of God? Heaven would be heaven because we will see Christ everywhere - including on the faces of the redeemed.

 
Because this is true, we need to ensure that we are growing in Christlikeness, even as we continue to grow in age. The more time passes, the more we should resemble Christ in our character - in holiness, love, compassion, justice, wisdom, patience, gentleness, and so on.

 

Heaven is where the Lamb of God will take central place.
PHOTO: Heaven is where the Lamb of God will take central place. But it is also true that those who dwell in heaven will look like Christ  (1 John 3:2). Heaven's residents will bear a family resemblance to the Son of God. Heaven would be heaven because we will see Christ everywhere - including on the faces of the redeemed.
Picture posted by michaeljfelker on 21 June 2019

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9ZrL8CwOVQJRd5-8BXLdVqxvYhBa1qw6cEHz5XpJmYmQ7YQBCviBN_8hjfmgG_k83ZznA2bAlfNV9htwV-VxyuodjF7GlzUknIY5GoKFkU796AZ4L78zjKcQupekatZxpAR51BsnjfA/s1600/2019364_univ_cnt_3_lg.jpg
https://michaeljfelker.files.wordpress.com/2019/06/2019364_univ_cnt_3_lg.jpg
https://michaeljfelker.com/2019/06/21/accept-jehovahs-help-to-resist-wicked-spirits-april-2019-watchtower-study-review/



Because this is true, we need to ensure that we are growing in Christlikeness, even as we continue to grow in age. The more time passes, the more we should resemble Christ in our character - in holiness, love, compassion, justice, wisdom, patience, gentleness, and so on.



Because we will see in heaven Christ everywhere. we need to ensure that we are growing in Christlikeness, even as we continue to grow in age.
PHOTO: Because we will see in heaven Christ everywhere. we need to ensure that we are growing in Christlikeness, even as we continue to grow in age. The more time passes, the more we should resemble Christ in our character - in holiness, love, compassion, justice, wisdom, patience, gentleness, and so on.
Picture posted by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvDjtu8PRE-tFe85J6cERut4U6SKLBaAwIX4ACWf7zumaZQwueUOiKD3Fmih6vc_j3RK7kaKyEFSWEF7vX4Q2KeYFt2xqbZdh07vsAB8W6bCG62YyNbIEAKZSTSgZKqj1_HvDIpjDNoKo/s1600/2020523_univ_lsr_lg.jpg
https://assetsnffrgf-a.akamaihd.net/assets/m/2020523/univ/art/2020523_univ_lsr_lg.jpg
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-study-august-2020/



Make a list of what would characterise Christlikeness.
In Scripture we read about the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), which is in fact, the very character of Christ. As the Holy Spirit dwells in us and helps us to bear fruit, we will grow in Christlikeness. It is a process that is enabled by God's grace and power.

The list of what would characterise Christlikeness, as in Galatians 5:22-23:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."



The list of what would characterise Christlikeness, as in Galatians 5:22-23:
PHOTO: The list of what would characterise Christlikeness, as in Galatians 5:22-23:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl9LHXh3UYpKJ2lUK9BQHwU6Rtow_NMa7pdJQcIF38sX50cBTN7fqoNPVqwkY1-_S6p0-pQtcGEBCPpcAnBUqcmGLuQT8QTePr86CXhyphenhyphenfNzC2-wZ9QXQ8Oplo8P9wJJ9g2sx16tpCmNyw/s1600/tumblr_ozjz4dOLTw1tjj2sjo1_1280.jpg
https://66.media.tumblr.com/8b03864f78e429242239083ce3c23144/tumblr_ozjz4dOLTw1tjj2sjo1_1280.jpg
https://wiirocku.tumblr.com/post/168108598046/galatians-522-23-niv-but-the-fruit-of-the



Assess your own progress in this area, and the possible reasons for your progress, or lack thereof. [2]
In Psalm 115:8, we read that those who make idols and trust in them will be like them. The principle is that whatever you look at regularly will be what you end up looking like. This may explain why many couples tend to look alike over time, or why in pet-master lookalike competitions, a man may look like his bulldog or a woman like her cat. And perhaps, this is also why folk wisdom is reflected when we say so-and-so is money-faced. If you keep on looking at money, you will end up looking like it! [1]

 

The principle is that whatever you look at regularly will be what you end up looking like.
PHOTO: The principle is that whatever you look at regularly will be what you end up looking like. This may explain why many couples tend to look alike over time, or why in pet-master lookalike competitions, a man may look like his bulldog or a woman like her cat.  If you keep on looking at money, you will end up looking like it!
Picture posted by thrumyeye on 06 February 2016 - Suspicious Fox

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohDwvRHsahza7s_B3HCcuYyYa1JkB8azZ-sIdFWnzAiJ6L8VFfyzH3Y2gayzCWjld31Z1eOZE1ZSXK1CbXwkj3BNAW0_I-_FXo0pLi0PF51wstYHROAkTcW-1TOimPnHe_nhKiXFp7Os/s1600/d9qm1iz-f1448bda-28cc-49b2-9e5d-19dbe166108d.jpg
https://images-wixmp-ed30a86b8c4ca887773594c2.wixmp.com/f/ee07c4e0-f052-42c7-9d5c-52142a88f0a1/d9qm1iz-f1448bda-28cc-49b2-9e5d-19dbe166108d.jpg?token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJzdWIiOiJ1cm46YXBwOiIsImlzcyI6InVybjphcHA6Iiwib2JqIjpbW3sicGF0aCI6IlwvZlwvZWUwN2M0ZTAtZjA1Mi00MmM3LTlkNWMtNTIxNDJhODhmMGExXC9kOXFtMWl6LWYxNDQ4YmRhLTI4Y2MtNDliMi05ZTVkLTE5ZGJlMTY2MTA4ZC5qcGcifV1dLCJhdWQiOlsidXJuOnNlcnZpY2U6ZmlsZS5kb3dubG9hZCJdfQ.FsYlMzGuJFSPXOL3YvjfQAwoT98NbO3hjBvxyOlwfiE
https://www.deviantart.com/thrumyeye/art/Suspicious-Fox-588894011



Ray Pritchard [2] rightly reminds us that reasons for our progress in being Christlike is because of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. When the Holy Spirit has free reign in our hearts, these graces are the supernatural result of his work in us. That’s what the Holy Spirit produces in someone who walks by the Spirit. And we will see them all on display. We are filled with love, with joy, with peace. In every relationship we exhibit that patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that mark us as God’s own. We can see the character of Christ being demonstrated through those whom He redeems.

 

The reason for our progress in being Christlike is because of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
PHOTO: The reason for our progress in being Christlike is because of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. We exhibit that patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control that mark us as God’s own. We can see the character of Christ being demonstrated through those whom He redeems.
Picture posted by Net cast Podcast Host site - Holy Spirit with us

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkTjJgqXdm7ea3WmhrRkxNsQDsBP04dxpAHv1NvN-MwPMG8qFN3jXKrwxkf1fiwBciRhelc4adQHZwbncTxLUyu05hGpd0tCxYXHUqo3jQDoL7zAFMWrxVFEKCLQWqP4AXRgCDwbFroQ/s1600/a27d24_80dd2e5dbb7b4eec9c26ae80cab25ba4%257Emv2.jpg
https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a27d24_80dd2e5dbb7b4eec9c26ae80cab25ba4~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_512,h_343,al_c,q_90/a27d24_80dd2e5dbb7b4eec9c26ae80cab25ba4~mv2.jpg
https://www.netcasthost.com/post/holy-spirit-with-us



The reason for the lack of our progress in being Christlike is because of the "works of the flesh". The human heart is full of the manifold evils, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality... (Galatians 5:19). The flesh produces “dead works” (Hebrews 9:14). The deeds of the flesh prevent us from cultivating our character, to produce Christlikeness by ourselves. We can attempt to cover the "garbage" of sin in our life, but garbage is still garbage. Only those who are in Christ will manifest the evidence of His character by the indwelling Spirit.

 

The reason for the lack of our progress in being Christlike is because of the 'works of the flesh'.
PHOTO: The reason for the lack of our progress in being Christlike is because of the "works of the flesh". The deeds of the flesh prevent us from cultivating our character, to produce Christlikeness by ourselves. Only those who are in Christ will manifest the evidence of His character by the indwelling Spirit.
Picture posted by Tan Qiuyi 陈秋仪@QiuyiTan on 29 June 2016 at 10:05 pm

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEA4TbSPjDA4KixUrv3x0oKxdfZzm-9uFf7XXBuISQnnpsj4s7YGdiH3IDiXyIAalgbLnkqi4HhK5CRvSvXt5z3hFMdAO534nGVgoYui5Pn_J1S_UXirSAgsVgFSqjWU7zYn_v0TGAUak/s1600/CmH7VxNVAAAWXQm_1.png

https://twitter.com/QiuyiTan/status/748155448574910464


I confess that I make little or no progress in being Christlike. I am so indulged in work for income to fulfill our daily expenditures, and other financial commitment. Also, I did try to hide the tendency to become very money-faced. Although with deliberate efforts to earn more money, it seems that money is always not enough. Lust too, is also one of my weakness. I tend to look at beautiful ladies. But no, the more I look at them, I don't become a beautiful person. I become like an UFO (Ugly, Fat, and Old) instead. The list can go on, but whether it’s grumbling against God or having other gods before Him or failing to love others or pride or lust or greed or selfishness, I’ve sinned against God more times than I can count. Time passed quickly, and in my retirement journey, I realise that with just my own effort alone is not the healthy path to eternal life.

 

Lust too, is also one of my weakness. I tend to look at beautiful ladies.
PHOTO: Lust too, is also one of my weakness. I tend to look at beautiful ladies. But no, the more I look at them, I don't become a beautiful person. The list can go on, but whether it’s grumbling against God or having other gods before Him or failing to love others or pride or lust or greed or selfishness, I’ve sinned against God more times than I can count. Time passed quickly, and in my retirement journey, I realise that with just my own effort alone is not the healthy path to eternal life.
Painting by Alexandre-Jacques Chantron (January 28, 1842 — 1918), French artist - Diana at her bath

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAEgZnt2yt-sruhqlW0yW9w3TH_Q19HQfnEg39hhkvGzY6UkMR1PaNwNN-kYlRSjjoYPZC9f0gwwNp9pkL1K2hfy5rE4vaHgfx0zF7LJErhlvoMfILIMqox5tfVAYvOWh6U0PcHjbIri8/s1600/show-photo.jpg
https://prabook.com/web/show-photo.jpg?id=1747318&cache=false
https://prabook.com/web/alexandre-jacques.chantron/3742523



Unless regenerated by the Holy Spirit I will find myself living in frustration while trying to produce a character which is not of our nature. Jesus told Nicodemus that "Unless a man is born again he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). Jesus explains that to be "born again" is to be born of the Holy Spirit (John 3:6). [2] As my 'work of the flesh' can produces only sin; it cannot manufacture a changed life. I want to apply to God for it. Left to myself, I will produce the “works of the flesh.” Only when God enters my life will I discover Christlikeness.

 

Unless regenerated by the Holy Spirit I will find myself living in frustration while trying to produce a character which is not of our nature.
PHOTO: Unless regenerated by the Holy Spirit I will find myself living in frustration while trying to produce a character which is not of our nature. As my 'work of the flesh' can produces only sin; it cannot manufacture a changed life. I want to apply to God for it. Left to myself, I will produce theworks of the flesh.Only when God enters my life will I discover Christlikeness.
Picture saved by john pate to Fairy angel - Sinned Angel

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTAU00n_HSKUuv0N3jas6EhTZwuIQz097nhHNpGUcBe8v2HxmKPvZGqG59n6-v0Vppcb5oVrXGgjA4Gf6TFRvIuLbdEO05DyxtT7kKnZvik2ryJALxxy7CIp6ufWMiwrCkNzc38V8uIY/s1600/bb6e25977c9b019c66ccb2ea29699409.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/bb/6e/25/bb6e25977c9b019c66ccb2ea29699409.jpg
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/760615824540499090/



The cross of Christ is sufficient for the salvation of the worst of sinners. There’s nothing for us to do, except to look unto Him in faith and He will save us. Whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.” (John 3:15). When we will believe in Jesus, the remedy is 100-percent effective. He says (John 6:37), “The one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.Hence our desperate need for Christ because only he alone can save us. [3]


The cross of Christ is sufficient for the salvation of the worst of sinners.
PHOTO: The cross of Christ is sufficient for the salvation of the worst of sinners. There’s nothing for us to do, except to look unto Him in faith and He will save us. Whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.
” (
John 3:15). When we will believe in Jesus, the remedy is 100-percent effective. He says (John 6:37), “The one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” Hence our desperate need for Christ because only he alone can save us.
Picture from Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository

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Being Christlike is only possible when we cooperate with the Holy Spirit who lives in us. We must seek it, ask for it, and yield ourselves to God that we might have it. Christlikeness is produced in us by the Holy Spirit as we cooperate day by day with him. I pray for His help to be Christlike. For any real progress in this area, I urgently need His protection from all the dangers, guidance, correction, care, provision, and love.

 

Being Christlike is only possible when we cooperate with the Holy Spirit who lives in us.
PHOTO: Being Christlike is only possible when we cooperate with the Holy Spirit who lives in us. We must seek it, ask for it, and yield ourselves to God that we might have it. Christlikeness is produced in us by the Holy Spirit as we cooperate day by day with him. I pray for His help to be Christlike. For any real progress in this area, I urgently need His protection from all the dangers, guidance, correction, care, provision, and love.
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Dear Lord
Dear Lord
PHOTO: Dear Lord, we learn that God wants his people to become like Christ, for Christlikeness is the will of God for the people of God. The goal for Christians is God's work of salvation and the means is Jesus. Sanctification is define as the process of forming the inner world of the human self in such a way that it takes on the character of the inner being of Jesus himself.

We also read in Scripture that for those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son. The purpose of our salvation is for us to bear the likeness of Christ. We may have to question our salvation if we are not growing in Christlikeness. We pray for help to ensure that we are growing in Christlikeness, even as we continue to grow in age. The more time passes, the more we should resemble Christ in our character - in holiness, love, compassion, justice, wisdom, patience, gentleness, and others.

The fruit of the Spirit is the very character of Christ. We pray for the Holy Spirit to dwells in us, and helps us to bear fruit so that we will grow in Christlikeness. We need Your grace and power to enable this process in us.

Because of the ‘works of the flesh’ we are unable to progress in this area by ourselves. The deeds of the flesh prevent us from cultivating our character, to produce Christlikeness by ourselves. Only those who are in Christ will manifest the evidence of His character by the indwelling Spirit. Hence our desperate need for Christ because only he alone can save us.

Being Christlike is only possible when we cooperate with the Holy Spirit who lives in us. We pray for His help to be Christlike. The cross of Christ is sufficient for the salvation of the worst of sinners. Help us to believe in Jesus so that we can be saved and have eternal life. For any real progress in this area, we urgently need His protection from all the dangers, guidance, correction, care, provision, and love.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen!

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Reflection - Spiritual Journey - Christlikeness is God's highest purpose
Source (book): "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 6, "Becoming Christlike", Question 1, Page 37.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012






Also from the same author, Robert M. Solomon

"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon


'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html
 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020

https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 


Reference
[1] From "Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, Copyright © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon, ISBN 978-981-14-1836-5, PART I: SPIRITUAL JOURNEY, Chapter 6, "Becoming Christlike", Page 33-37.

[2] Ray Pritchard, Galatians 5:22 Commentary, https://www.preceptaustin.org/galatians_522.

[3] Steven J. Cole, From the series: John, Lesson 16: How Jesus is Like a Snake (John 3:14-15; Numbers 21:4-9), posted on 16 June 2013, https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-16-how-jesus-snake-john-314-15-numbers-214-9

[25] John Stott, The Radical Disciple (Nottingham: Inter-Varsity Press, 2010), 32.

[26] Eugene H. Petersen, The Jesus Way: A Conversation in Following Jesus (London: Hodder and Stroughton, 2007), 7.

[27] Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart: Putting in the Character of Christ (Colorado Springs: Navpress, 2002), 159.


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