Defining True Christian Purpose

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#christianpersecution, #truechristian, christianity, faith

Last week, while waiting on a game to start, I asked a few friends and relatives about their faith.

“Tell me, no jokes, why are you a Christian,” I asked.

After I was lovingly berated for starting such a conversation minutes before a game, my circle got serious and answered proudly, boldly.

“Because I believe Jesus is Lord and He died for my sins.”

This was basically the consensus, but of course I had a follow up. As Christians, what is our motivation? Are we fully committed to what it means to be a follower of Christ?

Are we all in?

Ok, so you believe Jesus really is the begotten son of God. You know that he has atoned for all sin. Now, you just want to share this awesome news.

How far are you willing to go?

As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Romans 8:36

In the Bible, believers were willing to die and suffer all kinds of persecution for the faith. Jesus’s disciples were some of the first to suffer for the gospel.

Peter and Andrew were crucified. Thomas was stabbed (speared). Matthew was stabbed to death. James beaten to death. Matthias was burned alive. Paul was beheaded. And these horrifying killings were just a “drop in the bucket” of people who died all because they were “all in” for Christ.

In some parts of the world even now, our brothers and sisters are being oppressed because of their choice to follow Christ. Christians in China, Egypt, Eritrea, India, Iran, Iraq, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria and Turkey are still being crucified, imprisoned and beaten all because they try to worship Christ, all because they refused to deny Him (Aid to Churches In Need 2017).

Some of us won’t speak up because we are afraid of what others may say. Some of us are afraid of losing money or status. Some of us cower at the idea of being ostracized for our faith.

Would you be willing to take a beating or worse all because you are a disciple of Christ?

Beware of the Gateway Gospel

Our purpose should be to deliver the gospel of Christ unabridged and unapologetically. Now, some people may start out with the express intention of sharing the gospel. But, if they are profiting, be it monetarily or by popularity, it is easy for the message to become lost. It is so simple for the enemy to tarnish the purity of the mission, even if it means abandoning the gospel altogether. This is how cults are formed.

The truth is taught but lies and deceptions are mixed in with the truth making it hard to spot at first. The cure for this is to study the Bible on your own.

…but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

Galatians 1:7-9

Regardless your motivation, be it for good, for the love of Christ or for self. If the gospel is being preached, God means it for good. In Philippians Paul wrote to the church about others taking advantage of his imprisonment and persecution to preach the gospel. He warned that they may be doing so out of rivalry and some may have been teaching the gospel of Christ out of goodness. His point was that regardless the motivation, Christ was being preached and in that he rejoiced (Philippians 1:15-18).

Now dear beloved friends, the people who are hearing and believing the gospel through these teachers’ selfish intentions or humble intentions, are saved and their reward is in Heaven. But the black hearted ones…well…

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 7:21-23

Lost in translation

Years ago, when I was a new Christian, I was part of a few social media groups and chatrooms where the purpose was to share the gospel. It was like an online Bible study, if you will. I was eager to share what I learned and in turn, also allow others to edify me.

Sadly, the groups quickly became a breeding grown for confusion. The “believers” frequently got into heated debates that quickly escalated to a virtual brawl. I rarely saw kindness just brash comments stamped with “the gospel of Jesus Christ” in a futile effort to make them righteous.

It was heart breaking. So, I left.

Some people use our faith as a platform for their own selfish motives. It may be for endorsements, to get paid, or to make a name for themselves. Some are just wicked enough to jump into it just to stir the emotions of believers by playing to their beliefs.

Whatever their motives, I hope it is worth it. We will all have to answer for the work we have done here on earth. But I beg you my dear brothers and sisters, to remember our true purpose. Hold in your hearts, our reason for being a Christian.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Philippians 2:3-11

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Pray For What?

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anti-religion, faith, lifestyle, prayer, prayforpeace, religion

 

When someone tells you that they will pray for you, do you secretly think they are lying?

Yes, I do.

They may mean well. Some may even spit out a quick ‘God bless you’ to keep themselves honest. Yes, I have done just that. But I have stopped making those promises. I do not pray that you will pass your test or that God will raise your mother from the dead. Nope.

My prayer, if any, is simple: Thy will be done.

I am just sick of hearing these people who just want to be seen and heard, belting out these beautifully crafted poems and speeches masquerading as prayers. Yes. I am the girl in the back of the church rolling her eyes, waiting for the curtain. From what I gather from this situation, Jesus was with me on this one.

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

Matthew 6:5

I’ve gone to some churches and I can recite their prayers. I know exactly what they are going to say when the stand to deliver this “prayer”. Really, it’s a well-rehearsed speech filled with commands and begging followed by some thankfulness.

I was bored. I wondered if God shared that sentiment.

The truth is that we don’t know for what to pray. We already have everything we need. Jesus left us with the holy spirit, the comforter, the reminder, that internal peace that assures us that paradise is ours one day.

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Romans 8:26

Yes, Jesus gave us the “Lord’s prayer” but remember this was before He gave His life for our sins. Plus, note in that prayer, Jesus says “thy will be done”.

Thy will be done. The Lord’s will be done.

There is no harming in asking for anything. But know that God’s plan will always prevail. So, if it is not in God’s plan, your request will be denied. Not because you didn’t pray hard enough. Not because you didn’t have faith but simply because it was not part of God’s plan.

The Apostle Paul prayed three times for God to take away his sickness (2 Corinthians 12:8). But, God did not. Why? Because it was not God’s plan. Instead, God reminded Paul that there is a reason for every affliction, every situation.

 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

¹⁰ Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Paul accepted this as we should. Our omniscient God has an excellent plan. We have everything we need, if we have trusted the sacrifice of Jesus Christ who died for all of our sins. Simple. Again, there is no harm in praying and asking for what you want. But, know that God has a righteous plan that is set and intended for the good of all people.

Now the question is, do you trust God’s plan?

 

Fearless

Tags

Afterlife, Bible, christianity, church, Death, Encouragement, faith, God, Heaven, Jesus Christ, Love

Is it hard to believe that Christians are still being persecuted and slaughtered around the world just for wanting to worship God? It’s one of those facts that is in the back of my mind because we live in such a “free” society. We can pretty much do as we please and worship a flower if we wish. (That little trend is going around but that’s a different blog.). We can spend millions of dollars on buildings and décor if we choose. Some of us take the Lord’s name in vain without thought. Meanwhile all around the globe we have brothers and sisters in Christ who are literally dying to just to say the name of Jesus Christ out loud.

It made me wonder what gave them that strength and that courage to face the penalty of death. I’m sure there is some fear. After all, the flesh is weak even though the Spirit is willing. But what kind of faith does it take for these people to face persecution every day? From where does the courage come?

The hope of glory. The assurance that one day they will be united with God our Father, the king of all kings.

Now, I can admit that if I were in the shoes of the persecuted I would probably go to my death kicking and screaming out of fear of the pain. However, like so many courageous heroes of the Bible and today, I have no fear of death itself.

 

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalms 27:1

I’m short and petite some have even called me “tiny” and that’s okay. That being said some ask me how can I walk up to homeless people in empty corners and give them things. Aren’t you scared they’re going to grab you? Rob you? Kill you? Nope. I don’t let much really scare me anymore. I can say with confidence I don’t fear death itself. I do fear leaving my children before they are ready to be on their own. No one looks forward to the pain that may be associated with the death. Aside from that I’m ready. Are you?

Those of us who are in Christ know and understand who we are. We know that Jesus Christ conquered death. Our “death” is nothing more than a much needed nap until we are awakened by our Father to go home to Heaven. We shouldn’t fear death nor life for that matter.

We are not given a spirit of fear but of power, love and sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

God has left us the ultimate legacy to pass down the gospel in order to build the body. What a privilege! What an honor! Nothing should get int the way of our honored task of building the body of Christ.

Paul was one of the most abused disciples in the Bible. He was beaten repeatedly and left for dead. He was rejected by his own people and jailed for preaching the gospel of the grace of God to all men. But even in prison, he preached, his faith unwavering.

 Phil.1:28-30

28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; 30 Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Courageous.

What kept him going?

The same Holy Spirit that dwelled in Paul, also lives in each of us who are saved. This and that Holy promise of one day being with the Lord. Paul constantly encouraged Christians to focus on what is to come and not what they would have to endure. Faithful and fearless until the very end of his earthly life, Paul’s last words are just as encouraging those the body of Christ. Could we quote these words on our death bed and be justified in saying it?

 2 Timothy 4:7-8

7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

The Love Letter Part 2: What Do You Do When God Is Not Enough

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Bible, christianity, church, Encouragement, faith, Inspiration, Jesus Christ, Love, peace, relationship, relationships, religion, salvation

Friends, family, readers,

Lately, I have been put through tests of all sorts, both on a personal and professional level. While I won’t bore you all with the details, I can say that it has been enough to make one throw in the towel completely. Had all of this happened five years ago (before I was saved), I probably would have done just that. Challenges come when you least expect it. They are right around the corner just when you think you have it all together. You have it all figured out and you finally have that peace that you have wanted so long. Then, the enemy comes in like a thief in the night to steal from you.

Typical satan.

This morning, I get a text message with another piece of bad news. It seems that’s all I’m getting lately. Ironically enough, I was sitting at my computer reading jokes online just to get a little laugh. Then I begin to think about the word “strength”. What is it? Where does it come from? How does one get it? How does one loose it?

The Bible verse in Philippians 4:13 came to mind. You know the one. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

But what happens when you don’t feel that verse? What do you do when none of the encouraging Bible verses are helping? What happens when you feel like God is not enough?

I know. I know. That’s blasphemous, right? But if you are really honest with yourself, all of us have felt this way at some point in our lives. All of us have had a “giving it all up” moment. For whatever reason, this is a time when Philippians 4:13 is not helping at all. This is a time when your strength feels depleted and you know not what to do.

Where do we go from here?

People who truly know me, often comment on and give me accolades for my “strength”. My ability to hold things up in my family when things are falling apart. I suppose knowing that people depend on me and expect me to be the “rock” encourages me to do just that. But isn’t that pressure? When we depend on others, we tend to forget that they too sometimes need help. It’s not our fault that we forget. It’s like walking across a bridge. We don’t think about that foundation that is under water, holding that bridge up. We just trust and depend on the fact that the bridge will hold us up.

I may be rambling now, so I’ll get back to my question. What do we do when we feel like all of our strength is gone?

The gospel singer, Donnie McClurkin, answers this question in his song “Stand”. And that’s the answer: stand.

What do we stand on? Our foundation of course, the word of God. We must study daily (as we eat daily) to keep that strength.(1 Chronicles 16:11) It is necessary in our daily walk with the Lord. The word of the Lord should never cease to encourage, love and strengthen us. When we find that it is not enough (as I came close to recently), that is when we “eat” (study) fervently to show ourselves approved and to rebuild that strength.’

2 Corinthians 4:14-18

14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.

15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.

16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Is My Vote More Important Than My Faith?

Tags

Bible, christianity, end times, faith, freedom, Heaven, Love, Obama, politics, religion, Romney, White House

We’ve all heard that this country was built upon the basis of religious freedom. At least, that’s the story. We know the story as our elementary school teachers programmed into us. America was formed to escape a corrupt church in England. People migrated to America to experience religious freedom.

The founding fathers struggled with the protection of both church and state without them encroaching on each other. Afterall no one wanted the church to control government or vice versa. But this is an internal war that has been fought since the formation of this country. Laws are still being passed based upon someone’s religious beliefs. In some cases, the same laws are often struck down by the Supreme Court.

So, is there really a way to separate church and state? I’ll tell you why we must try.

The truth is the church does not want religious freedom unless this so called freedom supports their ideas and beliefs. To truly tolerate and embrace religious freedom would mean that the church agrees that it is okay to worship other gods, sacrifice, practice polygamy or any other religious rituals.

The church, the body of Christ does not want religion at all. (Religion vs Faith is a different blog altogether.) Christians are grateful for being involved in politics in some form. Having the church involved politics is both a blessing and a curse. It is profitable because as a Christian, we can clearly see some of our beliefs engraved into our political and economic make up. There are still some governments albeit more local governing bodies, that still pray before meetings. (A lot of them are now in court because of this practice.) Our very own currency still reads “In God We Trust”. (This will soon disappear unfortunately.)

The curse comes when we make the mistake in believing that as Christians, we are the only ones who can make this world right. We forget that we are not here to save the world, but the souls in it. We become too entangled in our own self righteousness and shun the rest of the world for not “doing as we do” or “believing as we believe”. This is true whether we are talking about our faith or politics. But lately, with the election 11 days away, it has been all about politics.

Now, before you get upset, hear me out.

Yes, we are to be ambassadors, missionaries of Christ. It is so our jobs to make sure souls are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). But how does this happen when we suck politics in with our beliefs? How is witnessing the saving grace of God to others possible when we zealously persecute others for not following our “good Christian principles”?

A few days ago, I stopped logging onto a social networking site because I had become disgusted with the things I saw. I witnessed numerous arguments, disrespectful political smear campaigns, name calling, untruths, hate speech…the list goes on. But, what broke my heart was to see the names attached to these posts. They were Christians, members of the body of Christ and my brothers and sisters. I was sad, ashamed and just angry to see such a thing.

What if Chrissy Doe wanted to go to one of these people to ask about salvation? What if Chrissy Doe saw the bickering from these Christians and changed her mind? What if dear Chrissy decided to pass on Christianity for a “more peaceful faith”?

Just what would we tell our Father in Heaven when he asks about this? Lord, I didn’t want the other guy in office?

Why are we so entangled in the bondage of politics, especially since so many of us have struggled to be finally free from the bondage of religion? Galatians 5:1

So, instead of the hate speech and the disrespect to these people we place in political office or desire to place in office, we should pray for them and their positions.  Stop fighting each other about something that is going to happen anyway. It doesn’t matter who makes it to the White House. Send them information about the grace of God.

1 Timothy 2:

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

² For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

³ For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

⁴ Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Yes, I believe we all have the right to say what we want. Hey, I’m a blogger! The freedom of speech is my friend! But, I am a Christian first and foremost.

I believe in the right to vote. Many people died for us all to have this right. And yes I vote. But I know that regardless of who is in office, God’s word is true. I know that no matter how many times we change presidents, the word of God is unchanging. God’s promise firm, concrete.

We have to live in this corrupt world while we are about our Father’s business. We must remember that God’s word is our first order of business. Afterall, we are looking for that blessed hope. Amen?

 Philippians 3:

²⁰ For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:

²¹ Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.