Thoughts on Discipleship by Dr. W. A. Dillard - HTML preview

TO WHOM SHALL WE GO?

“Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Cor.6:17-18

The true people of God are called out of a world and lifestyle of sin. They are separated

unto Him spiritually through individual salvation by grace. They are separated in their daily mind- life by submission to Him through John’s baptism; active church membership, and dedicated discipleship.Their relationship to Him is one of growing in grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, His person, His words, and His works. I need for you to think with me on this.

The greatest problem God’s people have to contend with in their earthly journey is that of false religion. It began in the Garden of Eden, brought forth murder in the 2nd generation, and global destruction of the race in the Noahic Flood. It did not end there. It was a problem in Egypt; in the wilderness journey of the Hebrews, then throughout their history. God met it head-on in the Ten Commandments, but, alas, it continues today.

God calls His people to a life of separation personally from the sins and ungodly lifestyles of the world. Separation involves individual trust in Him as the Creator, Provider, Sustainer and Protector of life. To look elsewhere for these things is likened Biblically to marital infidelity. It will surely bring not only the displeasure and rejection of God, but the sadness and grief of consistent disappointment. Stay with me a little longer.

In recent times the president of a large “Protestant” body (their word) of churches made an encore visit to Brigham Young University to deliver a speech about his concerns centered on political and cultural changes. He lauded the university as a great and admirable institution. His burden, an underscoring of the purpose of the speech, was not so much academic or informational. It was to solicit an unholy camaraderie of the two denominations so that protection might be enhanced should political firestorms assail either. This would be an unholy alliance at best, and an outright rejection of faith in God to provide adequate care for His people at worst.

The three Hebrew children of Daniel did not resist the fiery furnace, or Daniel the lion’s den. Paul did not resist a beating at Philippi, Steven a stoning, or Jesus the cross. Saints in Hebrews Eleven even refused to accept deliverance that they might have a better resurrection. Do I need to employ adjectives then to convey my evaluation of the prestigious leader who appealed to the cults? Modern saints are softened, not suited to persecution at all. Being allergic to pain, this writer understands that, but insists that pain should be welcomed IF that be in the path of acceptable service to God. It is doubtlessly more difficult to live for Him than to die for Him, but if it is His will for His people to die for Him, they should be most ready and willing to do so. To look to anyone or anything else for deliverance from obstacles to Godly service is infidelity. It will be judged as such!

It should be remembered that the throne of God’s Grace is still open and receptive to the

petitions and supplications of His covenant people. Has that been abandoned in faithlessness?? Is the arm of our safety and well-being now made flesh???

FOR THOUGHT: What do you think will happen to churches when their trust is turned from God to the fleshly arm of others they avow as heretics? Do you think the will of God for the ages may be interrupted or that it will happen as the Word declares? May safety for time and eternity be found in the powers of men or are those things reserved for God?