The life of faith is a spiritual journey beginning at the moment of new birth (regeneration) through personal faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, and continuing onward and upward from spiritual infancy—through the stages of spiritual growth— into maturity and beyond. I refer to it as the journey “from the cross to the crown.”
  
The little book of Titus, one of Paul’s “pastoral epistles,” provides a short-course on the life of faith. As we explore the great and timeless truth contained in this epistle, we will refer again and again to the “life of faith” and the journey “from the cross to the crown,” and to the many promises and provisions supplied by God in His matchless grace for those who choose to live in the light of the cross.
This was the subject of the Spring 2011 Conference in Canberra, Australia.

Gene Cunningham - May 23, 2000

Living Sacrifice 34

Rom 12:1-2 Jesus Christ is the living sacrifice, having presented His body that brings salvation (Tit 2:11, Heb 10:5). Once you lose the hope of His return, the Christian life loses its vitality. Our focus on His coming in Christ is our fulfillment (2Co 4:16-18). You won't find fulfillment in what you wish for; things in this world cannot give what doesn't belong in the world (2Ti 4:7). The faithful servant (Luk 12:35-36) finishes to the end. We take our rightful place at the celebration feast with the Lord when he comes (Luk 12:37-38). We have a need to be ready and avoid those who will rob you (Luk 12:39-40). His coming is the treasure; evil can rob us when we live for this day and lose the blessed hope (Mat 24:42-48, 2Pe 3:3-4). We try to gain from our associations "beat them" when we deny His imminent return. We become self-indulgent and live for ourselves (Mat 24:48-51). Characteristics of those losing the focus and blessed hope: (1) evil - in attitude and treatment of others; (2) self-indulgence; (4) tries by self-discipline to no avail; (4) association with the world (Rom 12:2); (5) will be surprised when He comes (1Jn 2:28). Outcome at the feast --will be seated with hypocrites. In the parable: the house is our soul; we are the head of our house; we must defend the blessings given us; we have crowns, but will lose them if we're not faithful (1Pe 1:4); our house/soul is under attack; there are thieves; are you alert? living expectantly? What are we "doing" when He comes (Mat 24:46)? -- living expectantly. The promises are completely fulfilled in eternity (Heb 11:13).

Scripture References: Matthew 24:46, Luke 12:35-36, John 2:28, Hebrews 10:5, Romans 12:2, Titus 2:11, Matthew 24:48-51, Romans 12:1-2, Matthew 24:42-48, Luke 12:39-40, Hebrews 11:13, Luke 12:37-38

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From Series: "Living Sacrifice (1995)"

Romans 12 and specifically Rom 12:1-2 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application of the book. This series methodically uses this passage to outline aspects or doctrines of the christian life -- God's provision and our prospect. Our lives can be acceptable to God if we progress on the path He intends. Living Sacrifice presents 12 doctrines: (1) redeeming time; (2) standing (positional truth); (3) self-presentation - availability; (4) approval; (5) service; (6) provision; (7) spiritual warfare; (8) conformity; (9) spiritual advance; (10) renewal; (11) divine guidance; (12) abundant life.

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