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Some one may ask the question, "Does it really matter how a Christian lives their life?" This blog is not here to argue doctrine or to debate the finer points of theology. It is here to encourage Christians to begin to think about the idea that, if we really believe what we say we believe, then yes...it really matters.
It matters if you want people to believe in Jesus. Have you ever heard the phrases, "The best sermon I ever heard was the one I saw" or "Actions speak louder than words" Ever heard that? Have you ever asked yourself why so many of your friends, families and coworkers aren't interested in hearing you or other Christians talk about Jesus? It may not be you directly that's the reason, but what Christians have become in general. There is very little difference statistically between some one who professes to be a born again Christian and some one who does not. Look at the statistics on divorce. Almost exactly the same in the church as out. It's hard to measure love, attitudes or generosity, but my experience has been that here too there is very little difference. Again, I'm speaking in general terms.
All I can say is, "WAKE UP". DO WE REALLY BELIEVE THAT PEOPLE NEED TO SEE JESUS? Well, if we do, don't you realize that we are to be His representatives?
Churches, pastors, congregants. WAKE UP!
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Saturday, May 5, 2012
The Character of Jesus...the Character of a Christian
What does the Teacher have to say about how one of his followers should live their life. Oh, by the way...I don't think these are suggestions.
Luk 6:27 "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
Luk 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
Luk 6:29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.
Luk 6:30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.
Luk 6:31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
Luk 6:32 "If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
Luk 6:33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.
Luk 6:34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount.
Luk 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
Luk 6:36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you. Ouch! Are you serious Jesus?
Bless and pray for those who abuse and curse you. For real?
Don't retaliate when hurt. As a matter of fact...give above and beyond when taken advantage of.
Give to EVERYONE who begs of you. Everyone?
Do to others just as you would like others to do to you. You mean make it personal, don't you Jesus>
Now here's the really big question Jesus asks. The one where He really sets the bar high for His followers. Are you ready? If we only do good to those who do good to us, what does that prove? Even those who don't believe in me do that. And again, same question different scenario. When you lend, are you only lending because you expect that it will be repaid?
Look at vs 35. Wow! What a reward for those who follow His instructions. A great reward is due us. Sons of the most high. He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful even as God is merciful. Doesn't sound optional to me, well not if you're a Christian anyway.
Okay, brave soul. How did you do on the test of Christ likeness? Maybe an even better question. Do you care? Now, here's something to think about. Just because we call ourselves "Christian" does that mean we are? Or does Jesus need to call us Christian? And how is he and others going to know if we are? I suggest that it is, in part, by how we respond to the above commands of the one whom we say is our Master. What say you?
Luk 6:27 "But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
Luk 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
Luk 6:29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either.
Luk 6:30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.
Luk 6:31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.
Luk 6:32 "If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.
Luk 6:33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.
Luk 6:34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount.
Luk 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
Luk 6:36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.
Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you. Ouch! Are you serious Jesus?
Bless and pray for those who abuse and curse you. For real?
Don't retaliate when hurt. As a matter of fact...give above and beyond when taken advantage of.
Give to EVERYONE who begs of you. Everyone?
Do to others just as you would like others to do to you. You mean make it personal, don't you Jesus>
Now here's the really big question Jesus asks. The one where He really sets the bar high for His followers. Are you ready? If we only do good to those who do good to us, what does that prove? Even those who don't believe in me do that. And again, same question different scenario. When you lend, are you only lending because you expect that it will be repaid?
Look at vs 35. Wow! What a reward for those who follow His instructions. A great reward is due us. Sons of the most high. He is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful even as God is merciful. Doesn't sound optional to me, well not if you're a Christian anyway.
Okay, brave soul. How did you do on the test of Christ likeness? Maybe an even better question. Do you care? Now, here's something to think about. Just because we call ourselves "Christian" does that mean we are? Or does Jesus need to call us Christian? And how is he and others going to know if we are? I suggest that it is, in part, by how we respond to the above commands of the one whom we say is our Master. What say you?
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