The Father's Menu

The Father's Menu

Apostle Dr. Richard Udoh

Sunday, December 15, 2024

THE ART OF GAINING CHRIST

Our Lord Jesus Christ does not lower the standard for anyone; to truly gain Christ, something must be sacrificed. The Apostle Paul, in his profound declaration, affirmed this truth with an unshakable conviction: “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord” (Philippians 3:8). This statement reflects an assured willingness to let go of everything—position, relationships, and opportunities—in exchange for the unmatched treasure of knowing and gaining Christ.

The reality of following Jesus is not a path of convenience. Christianity is not devoid of losing, suffering, sacrificing, or even dying to oneself. To be His disciple, one must embrace the tests of self-denial and daily commitment. Jesus explicitly stated in Luke 9:23, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” This is a call to lay aside personal ambitions, comforts, and attachments to the world in favor of a higher purpose.

Apostle Paul’s testimony encapsulates the essence of this call: “I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ” (Philippians 3:8). His loss was not limited to material possessions or status but extended to fame, worldly glories, and every form of personal gain. Yet, he deemed all of it insignificant compared to the eternal worth of gaining Christ.

The path to gaining Christ involves losing for God—losing the fleeting pleasures and attachments of this world to inherit the eternal blessing of His presence. It is a call to prioritize the eternal over the temporal, the heavenly over the earthly. This loss, though costly, is the gateway to the surpassing joy and fulfillment found in Christ alone.

To gain Christ, there is no middle ground. His standard remains high, and His call is clear: “Deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” HAPPY CANTATA SUNDAY

Confession:

I declare, I am willing to sacrifice all to gain Christ. Nothing in this world compares to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus my Lord. I suffer the loss of all things gladly, counting them as nothing, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him. I am blessed in my surrender, and my life is enriched by His presence. Hallelujah!

Further Reading:

Luke 9:23-26 “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. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.”

Phil 3:10 “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.”

Read through the bible in 1 year: Micah 1:1-4:13 Revelation 6:1-17 Psalm 134:1-3 Proverbs 30:1-4

Read through the bible in 2 years: Isa 26-27 & Prv 12