Jesus said Come, Follow Me!
Foreword
The author lived most of his life as a religious man and as such has nothing worthy of merit or praise to offer. This book is dedicated to the Lord of my life, Jesus Christ. All focus and attention must be directed to Him alone. The Lord through His mercy led me into the wilderness several years ago. Having reached the end of my self and realizing my inabilities, I truly repented and forsook my selfish life. During this time He fed me with the bread of life (manna), which is the life and broken body of Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. He gave drink of living waters, which is the Holy Spirit who teaches of Christ, empowers and leads in the path of righteousness. The wilderness is that place where we must put aside the things of man – those that the flesh desires – and wholly seek God’s will and purposes. In this wilderness there was much self denial, personal sacrifice, persecution, and loss of friends and family relations. The old man had to be put to death. The old religious life had to be torn down and a new life rebuilt on a sure foundation, which is Christ Jesus. Opinions had to be purged and truth grasped. Throughout it all Christ was with me and I would not trade this for anything the world has to offer. The old is gone and there is no turning back (Gal 2:18).
The author is a sinner saved by grace. In keeping with the grace that brings salvation, I endeavor to live soberly, godly and righteously during this pilgrimage on the earth. Not living to the flesh or worldly lusts, but allowing Christ to redeem and purify me from all sin. I have no inherent capability to do this in my own strength, just a love and desire to seek God and to perform His will. Jesus Christ gives me the ability and power to follow, in keeping with His will. Jesus is my Lord and through love and devotion I will zealously serve Him. The author is a fanatic for sure, and extreme only in the eyes of those who do not know Christ. I use to be a believer, but now I am a follower.
I will say in advance that you cannot speak the truth without offending the flesh. The two are diametrically opposed to one another. Those whose heart is on this world may not understand the things written herein. This book will challenge the flesh, and as such the flesh will certainly rise up in dispute. The self seeking religious man will surely take offense to this book because it will surely undermine his authority, but will set Jesus in His rightful place. Mark 11:28, "And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things? Jesus spoke the Father’s Words. We are commanded to do the same. John 7:16, "…My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me." The authority for this book is the Word of God and the necessity is a heartfelt belief that this is in the Lord’s will to bring glory to Christ. The words are those of Christ’s or a paraphrase of the same. All comments can be and are defended through the scripture.
The author is not trying to throw stones at anybody’s past. If I did, I would have to save the really big ones for myself. What I am trying to do is positively affect your future by pointing you to Jesus Christ and the truth of His gospel.
The author takes no personal glory for this book. I absolutely yield to the Lord’s desire: Jeremiah 9:23-24, "Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD." The author’s desire is to understand, know, serve, and obey the Lord Jesus Christ. May God’s will reign supreme
The use of scripture and references contained herein are from the Authorized King James Version Bible