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What Does It Mean to be a Christian? (Part #2)

What Does It Mean to be a Christian? (Part #2)

The term ‘Christian’ is often associated with actions that reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ. As followers of Christ, Christians are expected to emulate his actions and teachings in their daily lives.

The Epistle of James provides a practical guide for Christians, outlining the actions and behaviors that should be exhibited in their day-to-day lives. It has been called the “Monday through Saturday guide for Christians” because of its practicality.

James, the author of the Epistle, was likely the brother of Jesus. (Matthew 13.55; Galatians 1.9) In the beginning, James and the other brothers of Jesus tried to discourage the Lord (John 7.5). However, as time passed, James grew spiritually and became an active member of the early Christian community.

  • James was with the disciples in the upper room. (Acts 1:14)
  • Peter sent good news to him. (Acts 12:17)
  • James speaks to the brethren at the Jerusalem gathering. (Acts 15:13-21)
  • Paul spoke to James and the elders. (Acts 21:18-25)
  • James is mentioned in Galatians 2.9 as a pillar of the church.

James’ transformation from a skeptic to a devout follower of Christ is a testament to the power of faith. He witnessed the great things that the Lord had done and was inspired to share his story with others. Like James, we too can grow in our faith and become pillars of the church, spreading the teachings of Christ to those around us.

Are you willing to share your story and grow in your faith, just like James did?

Just some thoughts,

 

 

 

 

Is the “Deal” Really a Deal?

Is the “Deal” Really a Deal?

Do you check prices when you go grocery shopping? Do you read the sales to be sure the “deal” you are getting is a “deal?”

In 50 Secrets Your Grocer Won’t Tell You, Jeff Weidauer revealed that the 10-for-$10 is one of the most effective promotions. Sales volume takes off when a grocery store offers this option even though it’s not uncommon to charge the consumer more.

He explained how they’ll take 89-cent cans of tuna and flag them with a “10-for-$10” sign to increase sales. Shoppers will unwittingly pay the extra $1.10 because they think it’s a deal. Temptation works the same way. That which seems irresistible is costing us more than we think. (Reader’s Digest, February 2014, p.142)

Satan makes sin look wonderful, but the consequences are eternal punishment. Sin is made to look glamorous, but its wages are death. (Romans 6.23) No one is beyond of scope of being tempted by Satan. He will use every available means to pull you away. (Ephesians 6.11; 1 Peter 5.8)

Each Christian needs to strengthen themselves so we are not pulled away (James 1.14)

How can one continue to strengthen themselves against sin?

Here are a few suggestions on growing in Spiritual Strength:

  • Surround yourself with people trying to get to heaven (Hebrews 10.24, 25)
  • Spend time in the Bible (God’s words on avoiding sin) (1 Timothy 2.15)
  • Communicate with God (Matthew 11.28-30; 1 Peter 5.7)
  • Change your life to live for God if you have not (Acts 2.38)

Just some thoughts,

Six Things the Church Must Respond To – Part #1 – Laziness

Six Things the Church Must Respond To – Part #1 – Laziness

Call it slothfulness, call it inactivity, but call it what it is – laziness.

In chapter one of his letter, James makes it clear, “Be doers of the words, not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”  (James 1.22) We should remember that James is writing to all his readers, not a select group. James is writing to Christians. His reminder is one of action.

In the second chapter, James says, “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2.17) If we are faithful people, our actions will accompany our faith. Our faith and actions will work together to shine our lights and cause others to ask questions regarding our faith. (See Matthew 5.14-16 and 1 Peter 3.15)

It is the responsibility of all Christians to grow.  Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, James writes that we must be doers. It is not enough to just hear the word, but the second part is to actively begin taking actions upon the words heard.

The Hebrews writer takes a different approach than most in his challenge to his readers in Hebrews 5.11-14 by showing them what happened when they did not grow.

“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:12-14)

The early church struggled with this laziness as well. One of the most outstanding verses regarding this principle would cause a huge battle if our world practiced it today, “If a man is not willing to work, let him not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10) Those are tough words, but those words combat laziness.

The church needs to rise to the opportunity to share the message that the Almighty God wants active children, not slothful ones.

Just some thoughts,

Is the “Deal” Really a Deal?

The Key of Me

Prayer is a powerful aspect of a follower of Jesus because it is the communication avenue with the Father. The spiritual armor of a Christian includes prayer. (Ephesians 6.18) Paul, in describing the full armor of God, tells us to pray at all times.

While we know about prayer, and we even recognize the need for daily prayer, for what are we praying? As our words leave our minds to reach God’s ears, what are we asking God to do? Or what words are we saying?

Patrick Morley took time to consider what he was praying. In examination of his words, he compared his prayer with the Model Prayer of Matthew 6.9-13. As he concluded his examination, he said, “I realized most of my prayers were prayed in the key of me. So I started praying all my prayers in the key of we. It is amazing how our prayers take flight when they soar on wings that include them.” (The Christian Man, Patrick Morley, 2019, page 103)

If you were to examine your prayer life, would you pray in the key of “me” or the key of “we?” When you take a moment and examine the Model Prayer of Matthew 6, what do you see? A quick examination of the words of Mathew 6.9-13 show the words, “our,” “us,” and “we.”

Even the prayer of Jesus as He was about to face crucifixion found His words focused on others. The words recorded in John 17 show the purpose of Jesus as He seeks to glorify God through His life, then He prays for the people around Him.

While there is nothing wrong with asking God to be with us, or sharing our wants and needs with the Father, are we praying for others as well?

Just some thoughts,

Is the “Deal” Really a Deal?

Faith and Hope

 best-selling author, John Maxwell, tells of a small town in Maine that was a proposed site for a large hydro-electric plant. In building the hydro-electric plant, a dam would be built across the river and the town would eventually be submerged.

 

When the project was announced, they gave the citizens months to arrange for their future affairs; buying a new home, packing, moving, etc. However, during those months given to prepare, an interesting series of events took place.

During those preparation months, all improvements in the city stopped. They made no repairs to any buildings, roads, or sidewalks. They did no painting in the town. Every day, the town was looking more run down. Even though it was many months before the town would shut down, it was already looking abandoned.

Seeing the town, one citizen proclaimed, “Where there is no faith in the future, there is no power in the present.” Or, as Solomon would say, “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” (Proverbs 29.18; KJV)

As Christians, we know we will leave this world to move on to a greater hope. (Romans 15.13) We should look forward to our new life, lest we fall into a life of no hope. (1 Thessalonians 4.13-18). The future of Christians is bright as we look to the future (2 Timothy 4.8).

Are you looking forward to the future? Let us focus on the temporary, but let our minds be on the things above. (Colossians 3.2; 2 Corinthians 4.16-18)

Just a thought,

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Source: Morgan, R. J. (2000). Nelson’s complete book of stories, illustrations, and quotes (electronic ed., pp. 448–449). Thomas Nelson Publishers.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is the “Deal” Really a Deal?

How Many Reasons Can You Give?

“The sun comes up; it’s a new day dawning; It’s time to sing Your song again. Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me; Let me be singing when the evening comes.”

Those words begin a song written by Matt Redman describing the reasons to give thanks to the Lord. We know that each day is a blessed day. (Psalm 118.24) We know, as Christians, God will take care of us throughout our lives. If He takes care of the birds of the air, He will take care of us. (Matthew 6.26)

How many reasons can you give for offering praise to God?

In an interview with Worship Leadership Magazine, Matt Redman said these words about the song, “10,000 Reasons”:

“The point behind the song is this, if you wake up one morning and you cannot think of a reason to bring God some kind of offering of thanks or praise, then you can be sure there’s something wrong at your end of the pipeline, and not His. We live beneath an unceasing flow of goodness, kindness, greatness, and holiness, and every day we’re given reason after reason why Jesus is so completely and utterly worthy of our highest and best devotion.” 

As you reflect on your life, how many reasons can you give to praise the Lord?

The song, 10,000 Reasons, is based on the words of Psalm 103. In that psalm, David says, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103.2-5)

Are you praising the Lord today?

 Just a thought,

Here is an acapella version of 10,000 Reasons from The Acapella Company.