Mark 9:38-50

John sees a man who "didn't follow us" casting out demons in Jesus's name, and tries to stop him... this is pride! Jesus rebukes him; even if that man isn't yet truly a Christian, he soon will be. If he's not against us, he's for us!

Mt 12:30... Whoever's not with me is against me! ...seems like the other side of what we hear in Mark. Those who are not of Jesus are not OK.

John and the disciples believed the man wasn't a Christian not because he didn't follow Jesus, but because he didn't follow their group! This intolerance still happens today in churches. We idolize our denomination, our theology, our church practices.

Not every difference needs to be a division! 1 Corinthians 13... Love does not insist on its own way!

Galatians 5, a work of the flesh is division.

The Father draws, the Son saves, the Spirit seals!

Jesus gives us an example of service: to be great, be a servant. Just do anything that needs to be done! Someone needs a cup of water, bring them a cup of water. Meet the need, no matter how big or small, and God will reward it!

The one who died defeated death. He provided a way for us, sinners, to live eternally despite our filthy rags. I'm a sinner, but Jesus came in his faithfulness and love, and if I accept him to be my atonement, I'll live with him eternally!

Once saved, you start to become conformed to his image. It's a process! The more subtle sins may not become apparent right away. We all deal with our own imperfections till the day we die.

But we don't lose God's care every time we sin... His mercies are new every day!

When sin presents itself, we must make WAR on our flesh. Cut it off, rip it out. Take swift, violent, decisive action, and remove the OPPORTUNITY for sin. Don't just pray about it, but remove yourself from it!

We need to be but only hearers of the Word, but doers! We must take action.

We must not trust in our future selves to be able to do this, but give ourselves totally to God! It's the only way; we're not strong enough.

If we're forgiven, how can our sins lead to hell? Because belief in Christ is not merely an emotional exercise. It's an action! For God so loved the world that he took action!

If God says to live a certain way and you, in your actions, consistently say no thanks... you're denying Christ. The sins that lead to death are the ones we refuse to cut off. And at some point, God gives a person over to their debased mind, and allows us to follow our flesh to eternal death and judgment.

So make sure you are being a servant, and refusing sin!

Salt in yourself... How will everyone be salted with fire? Sacrifices had to be salted before meeting the fire. It's a meal for God! The old testament covenant was called the covenant is salt.

Salted offerings were made to be burned.

Followers of Jesus were made to be salted with fire. We are to be salt to the world... As Christianity leaves a nation, it falls apart.

If you want to be great in the eyes of God, be salted with fire: Romans 12:1... Present your bodies as a living sacrifice. This is worship! We are to love as sacrifices to God, giving ourselves freely to whatever he has for us.

We may have to endure the fire of persecution, take up our cross.

It's the best thing to belong to Jesus Christ, but it's not without trials. People will try to abuse you, as you appear weak to them. Also the goodness of Christ in you may expose the darkness in others, and that doesn't go over well.

It's hard enough fighting our own nature, much less the event!

Why subject ourselves to a life of salt and fire? Because Jesus is worth it! Satan, the alternative, is a harsh master.

Jesus's yoke is easy and his burden is light.

A Christian doesn't live a sacrificed life because they're trying to earn a spot in heaven... We follow him because greatness is loving people who mistreat you. Being generous, humble, forgiving. Being a peacemaker.

Don't come to him for forgiveness if you haven't forgiven others in your life.

Persecution for righteousness' sake is a compliment. That is to be filled with the Spirit of God! 1 Peter, don't be surprised with trials, but remove that you share in Christ's suggestions... The spirit of God rests on you!

James 1:2... Count it all joy when you experience trials. When you make it through, you'll receive the crown of life!