1 Thessalonians 5:18 – In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
Our society (and flesh) has taught us to focus on the negative and the worst of situations, keeping us in a constant pattern of misery and negativity. This pattern affects our decisions, outlook on humanity, and our lives as disciples of Jesus Christ.
1. Superheroes have a hidden identity. As children, most of us watched superhero cartoons. We would witness people with superhuman strength and abilities entrusted to stop evil and create a safer environment for city. Many of the superheroes had a separate identity among the public. (I never understood why the animators would do this because it would be a lot easier to for the superhero to remain ‘super’ all day, but I guess superheroes have to make a living too.) They could easier conceal their identity and no one could figure out who they were.
As Christians, we should not live in this manner. Jesus is calling us to be a light in the world (Matthew 5:14-16). We must allow our light to shine so that others may see our good works and praise our Father in Heaven.
Unfortunately, many of us hide our identity as Children of the Most High. We hide behind other characteristics that conceal our true identity. We display characteristics of anger, malice, sexual sins, robbery, lying, etc. No one would ever believe you were a Christian – even if you told them!
1 Corinthians 9:19-22 – For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
1. There’s more than ‘your’ way to share Jesus with others. Many people in the church believe there’s only one way to share the Gospel with others, their way. Whether the person is young, old, a banker, celebrity, or otherwise, they have one method to present the Gospel to each one. If the person does not accept their message or Jesus, then they walk away believing they’ve done all they could…but maybe there’s another way…
BE NOT AFRAID:
- to stand in adversity
- to do what God is calling you to
- to live with integrity
- to love your enemies
- to laugh
- to say I love you
- to say you are wrong
- to repent of sin
- to be an example
- to love without ceasing
- to let go of your past
- to begin again
- to have fun
- to reconcile a bad relationship
- to stop bad habits
- to see the good in others
- to speak about Jesus Christ
- to speak words of ‘life’ into someone
- to give from your heart
- to love your family
- to teach your children
- to make a difference
- to be patient with others
- to ask for help
- to say NO to sin
- to say YES to Jesus
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/asifthebes
Matthew 7:15-20 – Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
1. Many false prophets (and teachers) dwell among our congregations. Most people would probably be surprised because they think they could recognize these individuals easily. The goal of a false prophet is to be among the people without being identified in order to spread their message.
Attending seminary is a tremendous experience and blessing to ministers of the gospel. As students traverse their way through academia, there are a few pointers for their travels:
1. Be open minded. In the seminary setting, you have an opportunity to engage in conversations with people that may not be of your same race, cultural background, tradition, or affiliation. You have an opportunity to see Christianity from a different perspective. You may not agree with everything you see, hear, or read, but you don’t have to become controversial or argumentative (Proverbs 15:1, 28; Philippians 2:14-16). Voice your opinion, back it up with scripture (if applicable), and invite comments and questions. Be approachable.
When you ask most believers today about grace, they would refer to it as undeserving favor from God. One of the greatest elements of God’s grace is His undeserving favor toward mankind, and within the biblical text, there are other instances of grace as well.
1. Undeserving Favor. Though Adam sinned and brought death and sin into the generations of man, God loved us so much that He gave His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins (Romans 5:12-15; John 3:16). He did this so that the eternal separation that was made between God and man would be restored – for those that placed their belief in His Son.
Titus 3:4-7 – But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Listed below are some things you can do to tend the garden of your home:
Know when to speak and when to keep your mouth shut.
Speak encouraging words (Ephesians 4:29).
Be a good listener.
Support the goals and talents of those in your household.
Quick to forgive.
Look for opportunities to impart wisdom (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) and gifts from the heart.
Pray for them (intercession).
Spend quality time with each of them, separately and together.
Accept your family member for who they are, not who you want them to be.
Love unconditionally.
Be patient.
Photo courtesy of Photo courtesy of Flickr.com/ellie-yannis. Image covered under Creative Commons License.
What’s in the closet of your life? Does stealing, lying, adultery, ungodly imaginations, and other types of sin that lurk within the darkness of your life?
You may want to clean up your life, but the evil deeds you commit keep you in the shadows of darkness. You may not want to open the closet door because you feel ashamed that you could allow those things to stay within your life for so long. You may know that your deeds are evil and enjoy what you do in the dark (well, at least the flesh), but you must come to the realization that your deeds of darkness can keep you from the life Jesus died to give you.
You do not have to keep your sinful acts in the darkness. Allow the Blood of Jesus to cleanse you of your sins and live in the truth (John 3:19-21).
God wants your ‘house’ to be clean. He loves you so much that He gave His only Son so that you may receive the forgiveness of sins and have eternal life (John 3:16-17; Ephesians 5:1-5).
Ask God to cleanse you from top to bottom, inside and out. OPEN THE CLOSET DOOR!
Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/_lisandra
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