Chance to Do It Over Again — E.A. Johnston

The Rich Young Ruler and the Cost of Discipleship

Jesus told the rich young ruler to sell all and follow him. He said to him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Obedience Over Attachment to Possessions

This is here, friends, where many of us miss the message. You don't have to be rich to miss Christ, to miss his best for you. He may be telling you now to give what you have, to meet a certain need, and you turn away clinging to your possessions rather than obeying him.

Stewardship of God's Money

It's all God's money. If for one skinny minute you think that the thousand dollars in your bank account is yours, you are dead wrong. It all belongs to God. He is allowing you merely to be his steward, and at the judgment you have to give an account to him as to how you handled his money.

Did you do all you could to advance the gospel in your generation? Were the resources Christ gave you in motion to go to the greatest need at the time, or did you just sit on them in fear, like the unwise steward who wrapped his talent in a napkin and hid it in the ground, and let it sit useless?

Fear and the Misuse of God's Gifts

His excuse was his fear. And I was afraid, and went and hid that talent in the earth. Well, Jesus turned to those standing around this man and told them, take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.

Active Faith That Produces Fruit

Are we going to risk standing at the judgment empty-handed for God? Fear is nothing but a lack of faith. A lack of faith is like a stagnant pool of water that has no use whatsoever. A faith, on the other hand, is like a mountain stream flowing with force and purpose, bringing satisfaction to all who come in contact with it.

Eternal Security Beyond Material Wealth

The rich young ruler, at some point in his life, ended up parting with his money when he left this world for another world he was quite unprepared for. If he could go back and have a chance to do it all over again, he would have gladly walked away from his material security to follow Christ and have eternal security.

Investing One Life for Christ

How is it with you, friend? Only one life, it will soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last.