If asked the question, “who are you,” many relationships or associations might correctly be used in answer. However, for Christians, it is important that we answer that question from the perspective of God’s Word. Three possible answers are explored with this in mind: (1.) you don’t know; (2.) you think you know; and, (3.) you know. Furthermore, the point is made that it is “Christ in us” that establishes how we are in relationship to God.
Jesus Christ revealed the Father. The Jews of His day who thought that they worshipped God were deceived and had created a religion based on their own traditions. However, coming to know the Father is an opportunity that is now given to Christians.
How well we are doing in that relationships is vital. One way to grow in that acquaintance is to know His Son, Jesus Christ, and to have the mind of Christ in us through the Holy Spirit. Learning to love will also help us learn about the Father. The Father is God, and we must consider His majesty to know who He is. Finally, Christians have the promise that in our future we will be with God and see Him.
There is much written about our future in God’s Word. There are promises from God; there are specific jobs to accomplish and there are many instructions concerning how we should live our lives. Understanding what God has caused to be written both for and about us is vital. Five keys are given: (1.) Believe God’s Word; (2.) God reveals His Word and the understanding of His Word; (3.) We are to study God’s Word; (4.) We are being judged by the Word of God; and, (5.) God’s Word reveals our future.
Jesus Christ holds a great office in the Kingdom of God. The Bible reveals that He is the King, the King of Glory, the Great King–the King of kings! It is vital that Christians understand Who Jesus Christ is and that He will soon return to this earth to establish the Kingdom of God. What that truth means to each of us who have this understanding also has great importance, because we are promised rulership with Christ upon His return. Two time frames are considered: (1.) His first appearance; and, (2.) His second appearance.
From our youth, we have played games in which some would lose and some would win. That elusive goal of running faster, jumping higher or in some way being considered the best, has always been a powerful motivation in our personal development.
Nations fight wars to win. Athletes and sports teams measure their success in the win/loss column. Businesses are considered winners if they dominate the competition.
Some of these approaches have given winning a bad name!
How about each of us? Do we live our lives with the motivation to win? There is a real danger for those who would be Christian to participate in the process without truly attaining the ultimate goal. Jesus taught about this in Matthew 7:13-14: “‘Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.'”
Again, speaking to the Church identified as Laodicea, Jesus said: “‘I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot'” (Revelation 3:15). In the world of Christianity, having a “Laodicean attitude” is indicative of one who is compromising with the truth–of someone who isn’t serious enough about their calling to completely and without reservation follow the way of Christ.
Paul, in 1 Corinthians 9:24, states: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain (win) it.” Paul is here explaining that we who have been called are competing for an “imperishable crown.” Also, he has this to say about his own approach: “I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
The Biblical evidence is overwhelming that we must not neglect our call to salvation and that we must not just drift along with the incomparable knowledge God has bestowed upon us. Furthermore, the Word of God reveals that Christians are offered the ultimate reward of eternal life–the greatest prize of any endeavor for which anyone will ever struggle!
Let us never lose sight of that, and let’s do with all our might what we have set our hand to do. With the help that is promised from God and Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit, this is surely the race WE WILL WIN!
Summarizing the context of chapters 24 and 25 of Matthew, Jesus warned his followers to watch and be ready. For Christians, that entails heeding the warning of God. Examples from the world before the flood; the rebellious generation of the children of Israel that left Egypt; the disobedient Jews in the time of the prophet Jeremiah, and the generation at the close of this age are given in terms of responding to the warning of God. The point is made that we must participate in “blowing the trumpet” of warning by fulfilling the commission of Matthew 24:14.
Forgiveness is something we must all exercise. The Bible tells the story of many brothers which includes Christians who are spoken of as brethren. How we are to forgive is illustrated by the examples of the father of the prodigal son; by Joseph with his brothers; by the Church at Corinth; and, by the example of the forgiveness of God. When we forgive another that forgiveness promotes love; it is something we do that another may not even be aware of; and, it is a responsibility for Christians to forgive. The Biblical teaching shows that forgiveness from the heart is a great power we have to mend and to build relationships.
In the latter times–spoken of as the end of this age–it is prophesied that people will give themselves over “to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1). Paul further warns in verse 2 that the consequences of this way of thinking would lead many to “having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.”
For those who are being called into the true pattern of living which is based on God’s laws, Paul taught the following: “This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness” (Ephesians 4:17-19).
In the very next verses we find this powerful reminder for all Christians in all generations: “But you have not so learned Christ, if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus” (Ephesians 4:20-21).
Is our conscience “seared,” and are we “past feeling”?
If we are not ever-mindful and if we don’t stay close to God, it is far easier to fall into step with this world. However, Christians are to be different. Our difference is summed up in the example left for us by Jesus. Philippians 2:5 states: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Even though He faced rejection and violent hatred, Jesus was filled with compassion for the multitudes (compare Mark 8:2). His reaction to His enemies who were in the act of putting Him to death is recorded in Luke 23:34: “Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.’ “
David speaks of God in this way: “But You, O LORD, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth” (Psalm 86:15). James tells us, “[T]he Lord is compassionate and merciful” (English Standard Version, 2002).
So, those of us who either are already begotten children of God, or whom God has called to become His begotten children, should be tender hearted, filled with compassion, forgiveness and eager to let the light of godly love emanate from us! Let each of us who understand these things go beyond just knowing what is true, and let us be moved to actually live in this way.
Let us remember the inspiring words of Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
It may be good advice to really concentrate on handling everything with compassion and in a tender hearted way. All of us need to think about what we do before we do it, and then do it in a way that is pleasing to God.
Our view and our involvement in the Church of God are important. But the Church of God is not just important to us individually. The Church is important to others among whom are: God; Jesus Christ; the members; you; our families; the world; and the Kingdom of God.
As has happened throughout Biblical history, periods of harmony and cooperativeness have been supplanted with argumentative and quarrelsome changes. In light of today’s society and the recent circumstances in the Church of God, it is important for Christians to understand and to avoid this contentious spirit. This sermon examines the origin of the self-willed approach through Satan. In addition, other examples of the influence of a contentious spirit are given along with the stark consequences of this rebellious attitude.
