Pastor Ian continues this series ‘Simply’, with the additional focus on ‘Take Hold of Jesus’.

Reading from Mark 7:1-13

Have we become those tragic believers that knows the word but doesn’t live by it.

When we gather together, we should be expecting the Spirit of God in power.

Have we become like the Pharisees, holding onto our traditions?

Do we rely on how the word is spoken, the youth is run..etc. Have we forgotten what is more important.

ALWAYS JESUS

The Pharisees were used to washing their hands before they ate (v3), however God never commanded them to. Jesus challenged their tradition (v8). The reason he got angry was not because it was known as a tradition, but they used it saying it came from God.

If we have a deep rooted love for Jesus, we would not want anything else.

If we love Jesus as we should, we would not have a problem with prayer and filling in the time in his presence. If we are not there yet, we need to let Jesus consume our life.

Luke 14:28-29 reminds us that likewise in our spiritual walk, we should be prepared to finish what we have started. Have we factored in the cost for us?

“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭ESV‬‬

When Jesus come back for his Church (his bride), he is looking for our likeness.

In Christ, we are truly invincible….

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:4‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What is our battle cry? What do we hold ourselves to God?

“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:13-14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

We pray that today you will take hold of Jesus, you would find yourselves in awe in the midst of his presence. We pray as a people, as an assembly, as a gathering of people, we would know the fullness of him. Becoming completely consumed.