Bridging the Gap

I haven't blogged since 2008, but for some reason I feel led to start doing it again.  I feel like things stuck with me a lot more when I shared about lectures, revelations, and new exploits with the Lord on this blogger.  Feedback was also nice and encouraging.  I'm going to make a point to blog about new chapters and seasons with the Lord.  Currently, I am studying at the Northern Pacific Bible College of San Jose.  The classes I've taken thus far are Introduction to the Bible, Spiritual Discipline, Apostolic Constitution, and I am currently studying Apostolic Doctrine.  In the last class, we all had to present an oral presentation on, "Why Truth?"  We had to search our hearts, our minds, and our bibles about the benefits to biblical truth and the downfall to biblical truth.  There are many benefits.  Of course the truth sets you free.  It is of God.  It puts you on the right track and right standing with God.  Jesus himself refers to Himself as the truth, the way, and the life.  It gives you grace, mercy, and peace.  It leads to life everlasting.  The truth encourages you to step out in faith.  Faith is what pleases God.  When you follow truth, you're following Jesus.  What are the downfalls?  There are many people that said there are no downfalls.  It is hard to find a downfall in following the truth of God.  What can go wrong?  The best answer I heard in response to this is, "the cost."  There is a cost to following the truth.  The truth hurts.  In encourages you to change your ways.  It is not the friend of flesh.  It is not what flesh wants to hear.  It requires a stand and a sacrifice.  It requires you to deny yourself and take up your cross.  Nailing your flesh to that cross everyday, every second, every hour.  It may lead you to persecution.  Jesus himself was persecuted for speaking truth.  John the baptist was beheaded for speaking the truth.  Many  apostles died a martyrs death regarding the truth.  Jesus, the truth, was crucified.  There is a cost.  There is a reward.  Jesus is our reward, He is our portion.  Are we willing to follow no matter how much it costs?