This message deals with the principle of  RELATIONSHIP…with each other, and with God.  Paul instructs us  that as members of the community of faith, we need to be Truthful,  be Reconcilers,  be Industrious,  be Encouraging,  be Faithful, be  Kind,  and be Imitators of God.  In other words, love others as God loves us.

We live in a day of “casual Christianity”  (we want the crown without the cross).  But God wants and needs us to be faithful disciples.  This message looks at the true cost of discipleship.  A discipleship is willing the follow  God’s plan.  A disciple is willing the  pay the cost  (Take up the cross).  A disciple knows that life without Jesus is  meaningless.

Jesus taught that as God’s children we can ask God to help us and hear us and He will.  We do not have to pester or tease or demand from God that He hear us. God actually seeks to be part of our lives. But…this does not mean that we do not need to be intentional in a prayer life. We do. Jesus’ words:  “ask, seek,  knock” are best understood as  “action” words…continually asking, continually seeking, continually knocking. In this way, we will CONTINUALLY find ourselves….as a church, and in our personal walks of faith…..continually in God’s will.

Luke records that Jesus pronounced healing upon ten lepers with instructions that they go and show themselves to the priest (according to Old Testament ritual).  All  ten went away…but one later returned to Jesus, thanking him for his healing.  The  key to this sermon….and for our lives of faith…is found in the question Jesus asks the healed man upon his return. Regarding the other nine, Jesus does not ask,  “Why are they not thankful?”.   Instead, he asks,  “Where are they?”  Only one healed leper takes his blessing and lays it at the feet of Jesus.  Hopefully, this will prompt us to ask “where are we going with our blessings?”