Welcome to Day 2223 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 12:8-14 – Daily Wisdom  Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2223 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2223 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’m delighted to continue our journey through the book of Proverbs, where we explore its timeless wisdom. Today, we’re delving into Proverbs 12:8-14, from the New Living Translation. So, lace up your hiking boots as we uncover these verses’ contrasting paths of wisdom and foolishness. Pause… In Proverbs 12:8-14, we continue our exploration of the characteristics and outcomes of living a life of wisdom. These verses provide valuable insights into the distinctions between the wise and the foolish. Verse 8: “A person is praised according to their prudence, and one with a warped mind is despised.” This verse introduces us to the idea that prudence leads to praise, while a warped mind leads to disdain. It underscores the importance of sound judgment and wise decision-making. Pause… Verse 9: “Better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food.” Here, we encounter the contrast between humility and pretension. It’s better to be humble and have support than to pretend to be important but lack basic needs. It emphasizes the value of humility and authenticity. Pause… Verse 10: “The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.” These verses highlight the contrast in how the righteous and the wicked treat animals. The righteous care for their needs, while even the kindest acts of the wicked are ultimately cruel. It underscores the importance of compassion and empathy. Pause… Verse 11: “Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense.” Here, we see the contrast between hard work and chasing after fantasies. Working the land leads to abundant food, while pursuing empty dreams shows a lack of sense. It reminds us of the value of diligence and practicality. Pause… Verse 12: “The wicked desire the stronghold of evildoers, but the root of the righteous endures.” These verses emphasize the contrasting destinies of the wicked and the righteous. The wicked desire the power of evildoers, but the root of the righteous endures. It highlights the enduring impact of a righteous life. Pause… Verse 13: “The wicked are trapped by their sinful talk, but the virtuous escape so quickly.” This verse underscores the power of words and their consequences. Their sinful talk ensnares the wicked, while the virtuous quickly escape such traps. It reminds us of the importance of speaking with wisdom and integrity. Pause… Verse 14: “People can get their reward through the words of their mouths; they get what they...

Welcome to Day 2222 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 12:1-7 – Daily Wisdom  Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2222 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2222 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’m thrilled to continue our journey through the book of Proverbs, where we uncover its timeless wisdom. Today, we’re delving into Proverbs 12:1-7, from the New Living Translation. So, please put on your hiking boots as we explore the contrasting paths of wisdom and foolishness in these verses. Pause… In Proverbs 12:1-7, we continue our exploration of the characteristics and outcomes of living a life of wisdom. These verses provide valuable insights into the distinctions between the wise and the foolish. Verse 1: “To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.” This verse sets the tone for the passage, emphasizing the importance of discipline and correction. To acquire wisdom, we must embrace discipline and be open to correction. Rejecting these essential components of growth is unwise. Pause… Verse 2: “The Lord approves of those who are good, but he condemns those who plan wickedness.” Here, we see the divine perspective on goodness and wickedness. The Lord approves of those who do good, while those who plan wickedness face His condemnation. It highlights the importance of aligning our intentions with goodness. Pause… Verse 3: “Wickedness never brings stability, but the godly have deep roots.” This verse contrasts the outcomes of wickedness and godliness. Wickedness never leads to stability; it’s like shifting sands. In contrast, the godly have deep roots, symbolizing their enduring strength and stability. Pause… Verse 4: “A worthy wife is a crown for her husband, but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.” These verses underscore the impact of a spouse on a marriage. A worthy wife is a source of honor and blessing to her husband, while a disgraceful woman is like a destructive force. It emphasizes the importance of choosing a life partner wisely. Pause… Verse 5: “The plans of the godly are just; the advice of the wicked is treacherous.” Here, we see the contrast between the godly’s plans and the wicked’s advice. The plans of the godly are characterized by justice, while the advice of the wicked is treacherous. It reminds us to seek and follow godly counsel. Pause… Verse 6: “The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush, but the words of the godly save lives.” These verses highlight the power of words. The words of the wicked are likened to a murderous ambush, bringing harm. In contrast, the words of the godly save lives, emphasizing the importance of our speech in influencing others positively. Pause… Verse 7: “The wicked die and disappear, but the family of the godly stands...

Welcome to Day 2221 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Making It All Better – When Stones Cry Out – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 04/02/2023 When Stones Cry Out – Palm Sunday Last week, we began our Ressurection messages with “Making It All Better – The Story of Lazarus” from John 11. This story set the final stage for Christ to enter Jerusalem to fulfill His purpose as: The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 As we approach the Easter season, we are reminded of the miraculous events that occurred in the life of Jesus leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection. One of the most remarkable events is the raising of Lazarus from the dead.   Today’s reading from the Gospel of Luke, chapter 19:35-42, tells the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This event is commonly known as Palm Sunday and marks the beginning of Holy Week, leading to Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection.   In this passage, we see Jesus riding on a colt while the people of Jerusalem greet him with shouts of “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” They spread their cloaks on the road, and wave palm branches as a sign of victory and honor for the coming king, much like we would wave the American flag during an Independence Day parade. However, as Jesus approaches the city, we see a  weeping king, a weeping savior once again. He recognizes the tragedy and destruction that will come upon Jerusalem because of their unbelief and refusal to accept Him as the Messiah. (Bulletin Insert bottom graphic) This passage reminds us of the joy and celebration of Palm Sunday and the seriousness and sacrifice of the Holy Week. It also challenges us to reflect on our response to Jesus, as we welcome him into our lives and communities. Do we honor him as king or reject him and turn away?   Today, we could talk about the Mount of Olives or the significance of Jesus entering Jerusalem from the east. We could talk about Jesus driving out the money changers and cleansing the temple the next day.   But today, I want to focus on something we don’t often consider on Palm Sunday. I want us to focus on the rocks or stones that lined the road going into Jerusalem. That’s right, the stones. Now, you might wonder, what in the world do a bunch of stones have to do with Palm Sunday? Let’s read Luke 19:35-42 on page 1632 of the Pew Bible to find out. 35 They brought it (the colt) to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. 37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: 38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”[a] “Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” 39 Some of...

Welcome to Day 2220 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 11:24-31 – Daily Wisdom  Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2220 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2220 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’m excited to continue our journey through the book of Proverbs, where we explore its timeless wisdom. Today, we’re delving into Proverbs 11:24-31 from the New Living Translation. So, tighten your hiking boots as we explore the path of generosity in these verses. Pause… In Proverbs 11:24-31, we continue our exploration of the characteristics and outcomes of living a life of wisdom. These verses provide valuable insights into the rewards of generosity and its impact on our lives and communities. Verse 24: “Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.” This verse presents a straightforward principle: generosity leads to increased wealth, while stinginess results in loss. It underscores the value of a giving heart and the blessings that flow from it. Pause… Verse 25: “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” These verses further emphasize the benefits of generosity. The generous not only prosper but also find refreshment for their own souls. It highlights the reciprocal nature of giving and the joy it brings. Pause… Verse 26: “People curse those who withhold grain, but they bless the one who sells it.” Here, we see the contrast between those who withhold and those who provide. Those who withhold grain invite curses, while those who sell it are blessed. It underscores the value of meeting the needs of others. Pause… Verse 27: “If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!” These verses emphasize the importance of our intentions and desires. Those who seek good find favor, while those who seek evil will encounter it. It reminds us to set our hearts on goodness and positive pursuits. Pause… Verse 28: “Trust in your money and down you go! But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.” This verse contrasts trust in wealth with trust in godliness. Trusting in money leads to downfall, while the godly flourish like leaves in spring. It underscores the importance of placing our trust in godly principles. Pause… Verse 29: “The fool who provokes his family to anger and resentment will finally have nothing worthwhile left.” These verses highlight the consequences of foolish actions within a family. Provoking anger and resentment ultimately leads to loss. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining healthy relationships within our families. Pause… Verse 30: “The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a wise person wins friends.”...

Welcome to Day 2219 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Making It All Better - The Story of Lazarus – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 03/26/2023 Making It All Better – The Story of Lazarus Over the past nine weeks, our story narrative overview of the Bible has been to answer the question: What does God want? Today, we begin three weeks of Eater-related messages. Today will be “Making It All Better – The Story of Lazarus” from John 11.   As we approach the Easter season, we are reminded of the miraculous events that occurred in the life of Jesus leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection. One of the most remarkable events is the raising of Lazarus from the dead.   The story of Lazarus is found in the Good News, according to the Apostle John, chapter 11, and it is a powerful reminder of the power of Christ over death and the hope we have in Him. It is a story that teaches us about the deep love and compassion that Jesus had for His friends, and the incredible power He had to perform miracles.   Today, as we reflect on the raising of Lazarus, let us be reminded of the hope we have in Christ, and the promise of eternal life that He offers to all who have believing loyalty to Him. I pray this story will inspire us to deepen our faith in Jesus and trust in Him more fully as we journey toward celebrating His resurrection. Let us now turn to the Word of God and explore this incredible story together John 11 (Page   of your pew Bibles) The Death of Lazarus 1 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” 4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, 7 and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.” 8 “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?” 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. 10 It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.” 11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” 12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” 13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep. 14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that...

Welcome to Day 2218 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 11:16-23 – Daily Wisdom  Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2218 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2218 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’m thrilled to continue our journey through the book of Proverbs, where we unearth its timeless wisdom. Today, we’re delving into Proverbs 11:16-23 from the New Living Translation. So, fasten your hiking boots as we uncover the blessings of wisdom in these verses. Pause… In Proverbs 11:16-23, we continue our exploration of the characteristics and outcomes of living a life of wisdom. These verses provide valuable insights into the rewards of wisdom and the benefits it brings to our lives. Verse 16: “A gracious woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth.” This verse highlights the contrast between graciousness and ruthlessness. A gracious woman gains respect, which is a lasting and valuable treasure. In contrast, ruthless men may accumulate wealth, but it often comes at the expense of respect and integrity. Pause… Verse 17: “Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.” Here, we see the consequences of kindness and cruelty. Kindness brings its own reward, enriching our lives and the lives of others. Conversely, cruelty ultimately leads to self-destruction. It underscores the enduring value of acts of kindness. Pause… Verse 18: “Evil people get rich for the moment, but the reward of the godly will last.” This verse contrasts evil people’s fleeting wealth with the godly’s lasting reward. While evil may lead to temporary riches, the wealth of the godly endures. It emphasizes the importance of seeking godliness and righteousness. Pause… Verse 19: “Godly people find life; evil people find death.” These verses encapsulate the fundamental difference between godly and evil individuals. The godly find life—abundant and fulfilling—while the evil finds death—spiritual and moral decay. It highlights the profound impact of our choices on our lives. Pause… Verse 20: “The Lord detests people with crooked hearts, but he delights in those with integrity.” This verse focuses on the condition of the heart. The Lord detests those with crooked hearts, who engage in deceit and dishonesty. In contrast, He delights in those with integrity, emphasizing the importance of honesty and moral uprightness. Pause… Verse 21: “Evil people will surely be punished, but the children of the godly will go free.” These verses highlight the consequences of evil deeds. Evil people will face punishment, while the children of the godly will be set free from the destructive cycle of sin. It reinforces the principle that righteousness leads to freedom. Pause… Verse 22: “A beautiful woman who lacks discretion is like a gold ring in a pig’s...

Welcome to Day 2217 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 11:9-15 – Daily Wisdom  Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2217 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2217 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   In today’s Wisdom Nugget, I’m excited to continue our journey through the book of Proverbs, where we explore its timeless wisdom. Today, we’re diving into Proverbs 11:9-15, from the New Living Translation. So, get ready to lace up your hiking boots as we uncover the guidance of wisdom in these verses. Pause… In Proverbs 11:9-15, we continue our exploration of the characteristics and outcomes of living a life of wisdom. These verses provide valuable insights into how wisdom influences our interactions and relationships. Verse 9: “With their words, the godless destroy their friends, but knowledge will rescue the righteous.” This verse opens with a powerful contrast. The godless use destructive words that harm their friendships, while knowledge, which is often a result of wisdom, rescues the righteous. It underscores the importance of our words and the value of knowledge in building and preserving relationships. Background Music Transition Verse 10: “The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed; they shout for joy when the wicked die.” Here, we see the impact of righteousness on a community. The success of the godly brings joy to the whole city, whereas the demise of the wicked is a cause for celebration. It highlights the positive influence of living a life of righteousness on our surroundings. Pause… Verse 11: “Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper, but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.” This verse further emphasizes the positive influence of upright citizens in a city. They contribute to its prosperity. In contrast, the wicked’s words and actions have a destructive effect, tearing the city apart. It underscores the importance of our actions in shaping our communities. Pause… Verse 12: “It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor; a sensible person keeps quiet.” We encounter a familiar theme here—the folly of belittling one’s neighbor. Sensibility involves keeping quiet rather than demeaning others. It reinforces the value of respect and kindness in our interactions with those around us. Pause… Verse 13: “A gossip goes around telling secrets, but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.” This verse addresses the issue of gossip and trustworthiness. Gossips spreads secrets, often causing harm, while trustworthy individuals can be relied upon to keep confidence. It reminds us of the importance of discretion and trust in our relationships. Pause… Verse 14: “Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers.” These verses highlight the significance of leadership and counsel in the context of a nation. Wise leadership is essential for a...

Welcome to Day 2216 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom What Does God Want? – What Do Disciples Do? – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 03/19/2023 What Does God Want? -  What Do Disciples Do? Over the past eight weeks, our story narrative overview of the Bible has been to answer the question: What does God want? The answer we discovered over the past eight weeks was that God wants you and everyone who will ever live. In other words, God wanted a human family. God wants co-workers to take care of His creation. God wants you to know/ who you are/ and why your life has value to him. /He loves you /and desires that you also love Him. Two weeks ago, we viewed an overall snapshot of the Good News. It is simple and yet very profound. What is the Gospel, the Good News? Last week, we switched from the believing aspect of God’s story to the loyalty aspect as we looked at ‘What is Discipleship?’ and then reviewed the first two of ten attributes that answer the question, “What Does a Disciple Do?” The first two attributes from last week were:

1. Disciples Love God, Their Neighbor, and Each Other
2. Disciples Take Care of Each Other

3.) Disciples Fellowship “Fellowship” is a New Testament word that describes the activity of the believing community. Caring for each other is part of biblical fellowship, because when believers meet, needs can be discerned and met. That said, we need a short discussion of fellowship to talk about other things disciples do.   Many Christians today equate “fellowship” with having fun together. For sure, doing fun things together strengthens relationships. Enjoying the company of people builds bonds. But that isn’t biblical fellowship in the sense of becoming disciples.   The primary difference between doing fun things together and biblical fellowship is that fellowship isn’t just about spending time together. It’s much more intentional.   The goal of fellowship is ultimately “becoming one mind” around Jesus so that we can “have his mind in us.” In other words, the purpose of fellowship is discipleship. A couple of verses from Philippians capture the idea: Philippians 1:27, Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. (From last week) Philippians 2:1-5 Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests,...

Welcome to Day 2215 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom Wisdom Nuggets – Proverbs 11:1-8 – Daily Wisdom  Wisdom-Trek Podcast Script - Day 2215 Welcome to Wisdom-Trek with Gramps! I am Guthrie Chamberlain, and we are on Day 2215 of our Trek. The Purpose of Wisdom-Trek is to create a legacy of wisdom, to seek out discernment and insights, and to boldly grow where few have chosen to grow before.   In today’s Wisdom Nugget, it’s a pleasure to have you join us on this journey through the book of Proverbs, where we unearth its timeless wisdom. Today, we’re venturing into Proverbs 11:1-8, from the New Living Translation. So, let’s lace up our hiking boots as we explore the path of righteousness in these verses. Pause… In Proverbs 11:1-8, we continue our exploration of the characteristics and outcomes of living a life of wisdom. These verses provide valuable insights into the way of the righteous. Verse 1: “The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales, but he delights in accurate weights.” This verse sets the tone for the entire passage. The Lord detests dishonesty, especially when it comes to financial dealings. He values honesty and accuracy, which are represented by accurate weights. This verse emphasizes the importance of integrity in our dealings with others. Pause… Verse 2: “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Pride is a recurring theme in Proverbs, often portrayed as detrimental. It leads to disgrace and poor choices. In contrast, humility is linked to wisdom. This verse reminds us that a humble heart is open to learning and growing in wisdom. Pause… Verse 3: “Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys treacherous people.” Honesty serves as a guiding principle for good people. It leads them on the path of righteousness and integrity. On the other hand, dishonesty destroys treacherous individuals. This verse underscores the fundamental role of honesty in shaping our character and destiny. Pause… Verse 4: “Riches won’t help on the day of judgment, but right living can save you from death.” This verse provides a sobering perspective on wealth. It suggests that riches cannot save us on the day of judgment, but right living can. It underscores the eternal value of living a life of righteousness and moral integrity. Pause… Verse 5: “The godly are directed by honesty; the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.” Here, we see the contrast between the godly and the wicked. The godly are guided by honesty, which serves as a moral compass. In contrast, the wicked are burdened by the weight of their sins, leading to their downfall. This verse emphasizes the significance of integrity in our journey. Pause… Verse 6: “The godliness of good people rescues them; the ambition of treacherous people traps them.” Good people, characterized by godliness and righteousness, find rescue in their virtue. However, the ambition of treacherous individuals becomes a snare that entraps them. It highlights the difference between the pursuit of righteousness and self-serving ambitions. Pause…

Welcome to Day 2214 of Wisdom-Trek, and thank you for joining me. This is Guthrie Chamberlain, Your Guide to Wisdom What Does God Want – What is Discipleship – Daily Wisdom Putnam Church Message – 03/12/2023 What Does God Want? -  What is Discipleship? Last week, we moved beyond our story narrative overview of the Bible, answering the question: What does God want? The answer we discovered over the past seven weeks was that God wants you and everyone who will ever live. In other words, God wanted a human family. God wants co-workers to take care of His creation. God wants you to know/ who you are/ and why your life has value to him. /He loves you /and desires that you also love Him. So, we viewed an overall snapshot of the Good News last week. It is simple and yet very profound. What is the Gospel, the Good News? Now that we know what the Good News is, we move from the believing aspect, where we become members of God’s human family, to the loyalty aspect, where we will focus the next two weeks on discipleship. First, we will look at ‘What is Discipleship?’ and then move on to  “What Does a Disciple Do?” Last week, we learned that nothing we can do permits us to become part of God’s human family except belief by faith in that Good News, which is:

• God sent his Son...
• Who was born in the line of David...
• As the man Jesus Christ...
• Who died for our sins...
• Who was buried...
• Who rose from the dead...

That being acknowledged, believing the Gospel (Good News) is intended to be transformative. As we are told in 2 Corinthians 5:17. 17 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! You may recall the answer to this question. Earlier, I said that a disciple was a follower—specifically, a follower of Jesus. I defined “following” as imitating or imaging Jesus. Being “conformed to the image of Jesus” is our ultimate destiny (Rom 8:29; 2 Cor 3:18; Col 3:10).   Our motive for imitating Jesus is not to make God love us, so he’ll let us into His family. God already loved each of us “while we were still sinners” (Rom 5:8) and were God’s “enemies” (Rom 5:10). We get to heaven—we become part of God’s family—when we believe the gospel. Before that, we were lost, in need of a Savior (Luke 19:10), and alienated from God (Eph 4:18). When that was our situation, God loved us. He didn’t wait until we cleaned up our act to love us.   Our motive for imitating Jesus is not to keep God loving us, so we’ll continue to be saved. (Key) That which cannot be achieved by performance cannot be lost by performance. Salvation has nothing to do with our worth or merit. It has everything to do with what someone—Jesus—did for us. 2 Corinthians 5:21 21 For