Monday, January 12, 2009
Being the Church!
33% of of the world claims to be Christians. That means that 67% of all other people claim no connection to Jesus Christ. That means that at least 67% of all people are heading in the wrong direction. That is staggering to think about. In 1 Peter 2:1-10, Peter helps us understand what it means to be apart of the church. (Take time to read 1 Peter 2:1-10; http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Peter2:1-10;&version=31;)
Peter clearly states that we are to rid ourselves of all malice, and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. This includes gossip, which can and is one of the most useful tools of Satan. We are to crave the spiritual milk just as newborns crave milk for nourishment. That spiritual milk will help us grow into mature believers. Over time we should better understand what it means to be saved and be a Christian. We must grow in Christ.
In verses 4-8, we see how to plug into the big picture. We are to plug in by being a stone in which God can continue the growth of His kingdom. Peter says that we are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. What in the world does that mean. Well, it is simple Christ is pulling us all together so that we may impact the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each one of us has gift that is given to us by God. We are to use that gift to further the growth God's house and God's Kingdom. We are not to be stumbling blocks but blocks that lead to salvation by the way that we live our life.
Finally, in verses 9-10 we see that we are a chosen people that are called to be a holy nation that will declare the praises of God. As believers in Christ we are to be different than those who are not Christians. That means that 33% of the world should be different. 33% should be living for Christ and I do not think that is happening. My question is are you living for Christ? Are a stumbling block or building block for the gospel? If you are a stumbling block then get you life right and do the things that God calls you to do and if you are building block continue in you actions because God is pleased with your desire and actions. Continue to grow in the grace of Jesus Christ. It is time to take action. Standing on the sidelines is not an option. Christianity is full contact lifestyle and you must be involved.
John
Peter clearly states that we are to rid ourselves of all malice, and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. This includes gossip, which can and is one of the most useful tools of Satan. We are to crave the spiritual milk just as newborns crave milk for nourishment. That spiritual milk will help us grow into mature believers. Over time we should better understand what it means to be saved and be a Christian. We must grow in Christ.
In verses 4-8, we see how to plug into the big picture. We are to plug in by being a stone in which God can continue the growth of His kingdom. Peter says that we are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. What in the world does that mean. Well, it is simple Christ is pulling us all together so that we may impact the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each one of us has gift that is given to us by God. We are to use that gift to further the growth God's house and God's Kingdom. We are not to be stumbling blocks but blocks that lead to salvation by the way that we live our life.
Finally, in verses 9-10 we see that we are a chosen people that are called to be a holy nation that will declare the praises of God. As believers in Christ we are to be different than those who are not Christians. That means that 33% of the world should be different. 33% should be living for Christ and I do not think that is happening. My question is are you living for Christ? Are a stumbling block or building block for the gospel? If you are a stumbling block then get you life right and do the things that God calls you to do and if you are building block continue in you actions because God is pleased with your desire and actions. Continue to grow in the grace of Jesus Christ. It is time to take action. Standing on the sidelines is not an option. Christianity is full contact lifestyle and you must be involved.
John
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About Me
- jstrewh2
- I am the Youth and Associate Pastor at FBC Church Hill. I am married to a wonderful woman. In May of 2008, I received my Master of Divinity Degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
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