Dying To Self (5-17-2016) - MLIBC email update

Dying To Self

Galatians 2:20 - I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Luke 9:23 - And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

Galatians 5:24 - And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Mark 8:35 - For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

John 12:24 - Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

A vital principle in the Christian life is the act of "dying to self."

Consider:

DYING TO SELF IS CHALLENGING.
One of the most difficult endeavors in life is to "de-throne" self from the kingdom of my heart; to uproot my strong self-love and self-will.
In every stage of Christian life and growth, dying to self is very difficult.
Lester Roloff said that the most difficult funeral he ever does, is the one he does for his self-will each morning.
Joseph was one of the most spiritually mature men in the Bible and he recognized that his life wasn't about himself, but about the Lord and His plan and purpose for his life (see Genesis 50:20).
DYING TO SELF IS CRUCIAL.
Dying to self is crucial to spiritual growth and development.
I will never grow as a Christian with self on the throne, "calling the shots" of my life.
I will never be effective as a Christian until "self" is removed from the throne of my heart.
DYING TO SELF IS CHRIST-LIKE.
One of the most Satanic actions I can take is to exalt my "self," to allow "self" to control my life.
One of the most Christ-like actions I can take is to "die to self." The very first stage in the salvation of a soul was Christ not considering Himself. Jesus died to self before He ever died for our sins (Phil. 2:2-8; Luke 22:42, "...not my will, but thy will be done..."; 2 Cor. 5:14-15, "For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again."

Our Missions Conference was a tremendous blessing which resulted in 3 new missionary families added to our missions program: The Hall Family to Kenya, The Depew Family to China, and the Yoder Family working in the 10-40 Window. We are grateful for Dr. Pat Creed's powerful preaching and leadership and, of course, for God's great blessings. As Pastor, I thank the Lord for such missions and missionary minded church members.

This Sunday, May 22, is a very special day for us here at MLIBC, it's BABY DAY with the great Baby Parade where each baby is introduced to the congregation, a picture is taken and each baby is presented with their first Bible. Don't miss this delightful service!

Scripture Publishing Sunday is coming June 5 with Dr. Dan Hummel being with us in all services. We have had the privilege to partner with Beacon Of Truth Baptist Ministries for many years. The influence of their Scripture and Gospel tract printing ministry is being felt around the world. On this big day we are seeking to do more to support and expand the outreach of this eternal ministry.

We rejoice and give God all the glory for every soul saved and baptized through the many ministries of MLIBC and our missionaries. This Sunday I will be preaching on the "new birth" in the morning and continuing our message on the "Prayer of Faith" in the evening service.

Bring your Bible and a friend to church this Sunday. God bless.