John 6:66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

These that turned back to their old life were disciples of Christ. They were disciples only in the sense that they followed Christ, heard what He said, and saw the miracles He performed. These are disciples whom I associate with the introductory offer.

You know the meaning of introductory offer, the terms and conditions of the offer are limited in scope and time. At some point the offer expires and you must buy into the program. So what would this look like in our churches?

People show up and declare they follow Christ. They come to church and hear the sermons, have fellowship with church members, attend church functions, and might even be part of a ministry or two. At some point Christ is going to ask of them something they cannot accept. In John 6 to the Jews that followed Jesus it was “Eat my body, drink my blood.” These Jews that followed Jesus just could not follow that command.

These are the sacraments of sacrifice, accepting that Jesus Christ came from God, was crucified, buried, rose from the grave and is seated on the right hand throne of God. It is positional, it is submission, and it means Christ is Lord and your life is not your own. At some point this introductory offer has to be replaced with a new life in Christ.

Many play at church but are not members of the body of Christ, they have not entered into communion. It is only in this communion with God that our lives are truly changed.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

I would love to claim this scripture for myself. I try to keep my mind stayed on the Lord and for the most part I do a fair job of it. I am not in perfect peace all the time, but I have moments. So is it wrong of me to try and claim this verse?

Isaiah 26:1 and 27:1 both begin with “In that day…” which is prophecy content directed at a specific day and specific events. Verse 3 is caught up in that prophetic vision and by virtue of inclusion relates to those on that day. I have read all the prophecy related and must say I am not in that day.

Psalm 85:10 Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

I would be better off claiming this verse because the blessings of peace are not dependent upon me. They stem from the salvation offered in 85:9 and acts of the Lord in 85:11. That leaves me out of it as pertaining to perfect performance.

I saw this today because I jumped at a conclusion associated with “In that day”. I learned a valuable lesson in reading the prophetic word by making that error. If I could pass this lesson on, perhaps others might benefit from it.

If your assertions do not lead to the same conclusions that are identified at the end of the prophetic message, you were hasty. Here is the conclusion.

Isaiah 28:16 Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.

Do not be hasty. Wait on the Lord.