As a Christians we are called to be the light for Jesus on this earth. We are called to be set apart, to be different from the world. We are called to love. We are called to follow Christ.
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16
I have personally encountered people who throw around the name of Jesus and claim to be Christians but their life style says other wise. This is a dangerous way to live. I want to challenge you, to recognize the call to follow Jesus and to live it out personally.
We can't claim to be something that we know nothing about. Our life must be a reflection of who Christ is. Now, I'm not saying we need to be perfect because God knows while we're on this earth that can never happen, it's impossible. We are sinful in nature and saved by the grace of God. By that grace we can be redeemed and set apart for His glory.
"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost" Luke 19:10
Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3:3, "Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." To be born again simply means to repent and to change the way we are living, and to live for God.
Romans 10:9 says, "If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."
With salvation, should come a compete change. The attitude of your heart changes when you recognize your sin and ask for forgiveness and when that happens, your life completely changes! Jesus didn't die for us to say a prayer and then stay the same. We must change! There is hope, God will help us change. He can break addiction and set us free from the chains we carry.
Luke 11:28 But He said, "More than that, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.
God blesses us when we obey Him.
We obey God by living by His word and by following the perfect example He gave us, Jesus.
When we call ourselves Christians we are holding ourselves to a higher standard. Ask yourself this, "When people hear me speak and look at my life, does it point them towards Jesus?"
Mahatma Gandhi said, "If Christians lived according to their faith, there would be no more Hindus left in India."
When I read that quote it shocked me. This is the problem "Christians" have today. We're not living like Christ.
Matthew 7:12 says, "Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them..."
Jesus teaches us to love our enemies. "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."
John 13:34
"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
Jesus taught His disciples to be humble, by being humble Himself. Jesus washed His followers feet! I mean, you can't get more humble than that. Shouldn't they be washing His feet?! He taught them to be humble and to not think of themselves more highly than they are. We as followers of Christ must maintain that same humility. (Romans 12:3)
Jesus showed the greatest act of love and humility for us when he carried the cross for us and died in our place. John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."
Christ is our ultimate example. We must strive to live as He lived, to walk as He walked. By living like Christ we can show others who Christ is. Many people can come to know Him, through us!
"Of one hundred men, one will read the Bible; the ninety-nine will read the Christian" - Dwight L. Moody
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