January 2006
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.
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