If...

2 Timothy 2:12-13
If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Don't you love the "if's"? An if is almost always inserted to bring you to an action or decision. Like this for example... If you come to my house, I'll cook you dinner. If you will cut my grass, I'll pay you for it. If you will come to church I think you'll enjoy it. Some of them at times could also point out a definite truth. Just like in our scripture this morning.

Look at what He is telling us. "If we suffer..." Can I say this before we go further? We will suffer. There is no need for an "if" here. We will have trials and suffering in this life. Jesus has already told us this. But our scripture says that if we suffer, we will also reign with Him. Our suffering cannot be compared to the glory that we will share in with Him.

Then it says a truth that needs a decision. "If we deny Him, He will also deny us:" It's hard to understand, but there are many who deny the Lord Jesus. Notice though that He says "if". This means that you don't have to deny Him. You can choose today, right now, to love and serve Him. But know this... If you choose to deny Him don't be shocked when He denies you before His Father.

"If we believe not, yet He abideth faithful: he cannot deny Himself." There is nothing more that I would love than for you to believe upon Jesus. My joy would be so full if you surrendered your life to Christ right now. But I understand that I cannot make you. God himself cannot make you, or better yet, will not make you. You can choose to believe right now. You could also choose to not believe in that same manner. But can I tell you that it will not take away from God if you choose to not believe? Also it will not add to God if you choose to come and believe upon Him. God is God.

There are some big "if's" out there for you this morning. Go over them carefully. I love you all!