If we as Christians know the Word why is it that we do not "know" the Word?
Philippians 4:9, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.”
I have noticed as the body of Christ, the Members, have different agenda's which can only lead to one conclusion; we are members of a different Body. Is this true? I think NOT! A true born again Christian is the member of One Body; Jesus Christ. In the light of knowing that what should we then conclude? There is a biblical model that we should mirror as the Body of Christ. The Apostle Paul knew this. The things that we hear, read, learn, and receive should lead us into the actions that we do.
A look at the history of Christianity, especially in America, will testify to the actions of the Body. We were once a light that people were drawn to. In times of peril people of all kinds needed that Light and were all too willing to come. Slaves, the poor, the needy, leadership, soldiers, and the list goes on. From George Washington to Abraham Lincoln to those in need during the depression people from all backgrounds, races, and creeds were drawn to the Light that we as the members provided. It is time that we come back together as One Body to be that Light once again. "Know the Word", do what we receive, and may the God of peace with us!
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
The Christian Faith
I know that there are many who do not believe as I do in the Christian faith. However, this does not persuade me to stop believing nor does it stop me from continuing in the work that the Lord has called me to do. There are many today that seem to be very surprised that there are those that don't believe in Christ and they seem to be very angry about it. They get very boisterous when it comes to their belief and the Christian faith. There are a few things that I would like to remind Christians of:
1. Christ said in Matthew 7:14 that "the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it." The Christian faith is a difficult life to maintain and is very hard for many to live due to the temptations of this world; therefore, leaving the path narrow. Few will be able to come to terms with what Christ commands of His disciples. We must love the Father and we must love our neighbors. There is too much hatred and bitterness for some to do that.
2. Jesus Himself was the center of opposition. Mark 3:6 says, "At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus." It should be no surprise to anyone that if Jesus had opposition we will also. The Pharisees were the religious elite of the time and still opposed Christ. Nonetheless, it should not stop us from "being salt and light to the world."
3. Jesus did not show hatred nor did He avoid those who had opposing views. As in the case of the Pharisees He told them strait away where they were lacking. I would remind everyone that Christ also gave the Pharisees the chance to hear the Good News and also associated with them, "One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat" (Luke 7:36). Not only did Christ eat with them and associate with the religious elite, but he was also known to hang out at parties, was called a drunkard Himself, talked to prostitutes, and all around hung out with sinners. All of this was done so that they would be able to hear the Gospel. Another thing that was not looked upon very well in His time (and even today) was that He had women in His ministry and talked to children.
4. Jesus was never angry about someone not accepting Him or the Gospel; it was more saddening to Him and should be to us as well. The Gospel of Luke chapter nine tells of an instance when a whole town did not accept Jesus and this angered two of His disciples, "When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, "Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?" (verse 54) Jesus' response was that He rebuked them. It would also be the same response that we would get from Him at times as well.
It is our job as Christians to be the salt to a world that needs seasoning and light to light the dark pathways of others. However, if you have contempt to others because they have opposing views then you should ask yourself "what am I really trying to convince others or what is my real agenda?"
**Some may ask about the money changers and the moment that Jesus chased them out of the Temple with a whip. This is correct, but it was just as Christ said, "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be called a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves!"
1. Christ said in Matthew 7:14 that "the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it." The Christian faith is a difficult life to maintain and is very hard for many to live due to the temptations of this world; therefore, leaving the path narrow. Few will be able to come to terms with what Christ commands of His disciples. We must love the Father and we must love our neighbors. There is too much hatred and bitterness for some to do that.
2. Jesus Himself was the center of opposition. Mark 3:6 says, "At once the Pharisees went away and met with the supporters of Herod to plot how to kill Jesus." It should be no surprise to anyone that if Jesus had opposition we will also. The Pharisees were the religious elite of the time and still opposed Christ. Nonetheless, it should not stop us from "being salt and light to the world."
3. Jesus did not show hatred nor did He avoid those who had opposing views. As in the case of the Pharisees He told them strait away where they were lacking. I would remind everyone that Christ also gave the Pharisees the chance to hear the Good News and also associated with them, "One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to have dinner with him, so Jesus went to his home and sat down to eat" (Luke 7:36). Not only did Christ eat with them and associate with the religious elite, but he was also known to hang out at parties, was called a drunkard Himself, talked to prostitutes, and all around hung out with sinners. All of this was done so that they would be able to hear the Gospel. Another thing that was not looked upon very well in His time (and even today) was that He had women in His ministry and talked to children.
4. Jesus was never angry about someone not accepting Him or the Gospel; it was more saddening to Him and should be to us as well. The Gospel of Luke chapter nine tells of an instance when a whole town did not accept Jesus and this angered two of His disciples, "When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, "Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?" (verse 54) Jesus' response was that He rebuked them. It would also be the same response that we would get from Him at times as well.
It is our job as Christians to be the salt to a world that needs seasoning and light to light the dark pathways of others. However, if you have contempt to others because they have opposing views then you should ask yourself "what am I really trying to convince others or what is my real agenda?"
**Some may ask about the money changers and the moment that Jesus chased them out of the Temple with a whip. This is correct, but it was just as Christ said, "The Scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be called a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves!"
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