This Sunday at Shelbyville First Baptist Church I am preaching from Matthew 19:16-30 (see below). The first portion of this passage (vv. 16-22) relays the story about the young wealthy ruler who asked Jesus, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life” (v. 16). Although He had everything his world said that a person needed to be happy, he still sensed that something was missing. His instincts and the Holy Spirit correctly led him to Jesus, but ultimately, he was unwilling to place God’s will above his own. Tragically, the Bible says that “he went away sorrowful” (v. 22).
I have never been rich; I have never been a ruler; I have seen younger days, but I am happy; I am peaceful; and I am full of joy! Everything is not “perfect” in my life, but “He” (Jesus) is perfect in my life. I realize that this all sounds unusual if you are not a Christian. Although I’m a preacher, I’m not preaching here. I’m simply saying that my life changed when I met Jesus! He is my intimate friend and constant companion. He gave His life for me and I am striving to “give” my life for Him.
If you are a Christian. Give a shoutout for Jesus and a brief testimony about your relationship with Him. If you are not a Christian, please consider trusting Him as your personal Savior and following Him as the Lord of your life.
16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” 18He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, 19Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” 21Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. Matthew 19:16-22 (English Standard Version)
Steve Rice 
We just studied this in our journey through the Gospel of Mark. It always amazes me how God reinforces and gives the same teaching in the worship service and in Bible Fellowship Class. God’s Word is timeless and true and always reinforces itself.
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Thank you Bro. Steve for your sharing what the Lord is doing in your life.
Even though I had the awful experience of going through the cancer thing,it actuqlly put me in q place where I became very,very close to the Lord. I came to the point where I couldn’t take it on my own anymore. One night,laying in the hospital bed in Mayo Clinic, I laid there very quietly,and asked Jesus to help me with the pain and all the upcoming surgery and treatments that I had to go through. From that night on I have had Him with me through all that I have gone through. It is a feeling that Paul said best in Plhilippians 4:13….I can do ALL things through Christ…who strengthens me. There are many times now that I remind myself that the Lord is helping through this and I have a commitment to Him to walk the walk the best I can. I would not have made it this far without Him. I truly believe this and hope that it shows….not for my sake….but for His glory…..
Thank you for allowing me to share this with you…….take care……
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