24/7 Christian

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?  If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.  1 Corinthians, Chapter 3, verses 16-17.

I have heard that some religions have interpreted this passage to say that Christians shouldn’t get their ears pierced or get tattoos but that isn’t what this passage means to me.  This passage is telling me that I’m a Christian 24/7 (24 hours a day/7 days a week) and God dwells in me all the time.
My actions, thoughts, words and deeds make me a walking billboard for God.  A billboard works as an advertisement to draw people toward a particular business.  If the sign were sloppy, had misspellings or poor grammar, the billboard would reflect poorly on the owner of the business.
Now, if I go out and get drunk, take drugs, am rude to others or use God’s Name in vain, it’s like I’ve used bad grammar on my billboard which would reflect poorly on God who dwells in me.  I need to make sure that as a 24/7 Christian, I'm attempting to live in a manner that makes me a good example of how God works in my life.
Here is a related passage:
*I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.  Galatians, Chapter 2, verse 20.


Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Focused on God Christians

For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.  So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy. Romans, Chapter 9, verses 15-16.

There are religious groups that believe that if they “will” things to happen, “visualize things,” “use the god power within them” or use the “power of positive thinking,” everything will turn out the way they want.
Things might turn out the way they want because Satan uses things like this to work a subtle wedge in their relationship with God.  It’s similar to what happens when people read horoscopes where they start out reading it for fun, but after awhile they become more and more dependant on it.  If things turn out well after a person “wills it,” or uses “the god power within them” or “visualizes” things the way they want, they are much more apt to do this again the next time rather than turn to God, asking Him to provide for their every need.  They don’t even realize they are drifting further and further from what God wants, as evidenced through this Bible verse. We need to be Focused on God Christians for all our needs.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Choose Your Own Adventure Christians

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.  Romans, Chapter 8, verses 13-16.

Choose Your Own Adventure books were pretty popular at one time.  You would be reading an adventure story and then were given choices.  If you turned to one set of pages listed, the story would end one way and if you turned to some of the other pages listed, it would end totally different ways.
We can live worldly lives of the flesh and have a less than pleasant ending or we can realize where we have gone off-track and turn our lives around to focus on God and what He wants for us.  When we choose to live through the Spirit, we will have eternal life with Jesus in heaven as Choose Your Own Adventure Christians. Which ending do you choose????

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Have Your Cake and Eat it Too Christian!

Matthew 6: 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

I really struggle with this passage a lot. I guess I'm a Have Your Cake and Eat it Too Christian! I want Christ to forgive me for all my many flaws, trespasses, and vices, but I want to stay angry with those you are rude and insensitive to me. 

 This passage reminds me that I can't have it both ways. I can choose to stay angry with people who have wronged me knowing that I might not be forgiven for my many, many trespasses. Or, I can work harder at turning that anger over to Christ, knowing He's already layed the ground work for my forgiveness.

 So, just how do you do that? It's easier in some situations, but in others it's down-right hard to let go of the anger! The thing is, when I'm holding on to anger toward anyone, I feel the urge to eat things I don't normally eat and at times that I don't usually eat.  Lately, I've been praying for God to have me be more open to being gracious to others, despite their actions. I also pray when the event happens. It's working, but I need to keep remembering to turn it over to Christ's very capable hands. I can't slip up and forget to add this to my daily prayers each day or I fall back into my old routine.  Matthew 6: 14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

An Ungracious Christian

1 Peter 2: 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 

 This passage talks about Jesus being gracious, but am I gracious? I remember sitting in a dentist's office a couple of years ago and a grandmother was talking with her grand-daughter. The girl was complaining that her teacher had made an error in grading her paper and the grandmother asked her if she was gracious. The girl continued to tell her about the teacher's mistake, but the grandmother again asked her if she was gracious. This gave me a new perspective on grace...not just my focus on being forgiven for ALL of my wrong doings, but forgiving others when they err against us! See what you can learn in a dentist's office! Christ has lessons for us everywhere!

Actually, this passage is saying even more. It's saying that because we've tasted Christ's graciousness through His death and resurrection for us, we are drawn to the Word of God so that we can grow in grace, as well. Am I doing that? To be honest, yes and no. I read the Bible daily and I try to focus on all Christ has done in my life, but I don't focus so much about how Christ wants me to be gracious to others when they do wrong.

Instead, I've gotten caught up in anger or resentment and wanted to eat the doorknobs off, rather than turn those sinful emotions over to Christ's very capable hands. I no longer want to be an Ungracious Christian and want to be more focused on being a better example of all Christ does for me! 1 Peter 2: 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Double Standard Christian

Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?  thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?  Romans, Chapter 2, verse 21.

Actually, there is more that goes with this passage.  I just took out the part that relates to me.  When I was in high school, I was visiting a church one time with my mother.  The sermon was especially interesting.  It talked about a parent who was called to the Police Station because their child had gotten arrested for stealing some pens from a local store.  The thing the parent said to the child was, “Why would you steal pens when I can get all the pens you want from my work?”
Some of us may be Double Standard Christians just like this parent did.  Sometimes we are examples of negative things without really realizing what we’re doing.  When we are being examples of how God works in our lives, we need to make sure all our actions and words glorify Him.  We have to realize that we are giving others a message whether it’s taking things from work or laughing at jokes that put down people who are different than we are.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Management Mode Christians

Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. Psalm 17:5

What have I done to myself? I'm having a difficult time with maintaining my weight. At times, I feel lost. Why am I experiencing these things? I tried to be very prayerful about all of this and I'll share the instincts that God's given me on this matter.

 I've gotten stuck in Management Mode! My dad's in a veteran's home with Parkinson's Disease and I know that at some point, there may be a time when I will be grieving his loss. The part of me that likes to be in control found it very easy to become a Management Mode Christian. I stopped writing posts and started copying previous ones, because I felt that they had something significant to say that would be beneficial to readers, especially those who have not been reading the blog since it started.

Although I still feel that to be true, I was trying to plan for that time of loss. I was trying to control everything and I wasn't turning it over to God. I wasn't being open to hearing what He was trying to say to me or to what He was trying to do through me. He is showing me that He uses my many weaknesses to show readers like you His strength. If I am not actively writing posts, I'm not experiencing the insight that He openly shares with me, nor am I sharing them with you. If Christ is letting me know this, that means He will take care of me when the time comes that my dad passes. I don't have to try to control everything, so that I'm efficient. Maybe, God will use my grief or inefficiency for His own purposes, that I was negating while I was trying to be in control. This is a lot to be prayerful about!!!

Hold up my goings in Thy paths, that my footsteps slip not. Psalm 17:5

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Society Page Christians

 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the Word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.  For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for Salvation unto the ends of the earth.  And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the Word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.  Acts, Chapter 13, verse 46-48.

There was a time when I was confused because the Bible would talk about the Jews being the promised people.  I wondered how I was going to get to heaven since I’m not Jewish.  But this says Salvation is for all people to the ends of the world, which includes me.  A person just has to believe Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior of all in order to go to heaven.  I’m so thankful!  What a simple request.  I don’t have to be born to royalty.  I don’t have to be rich or  be a Society Page Christian.  I don’t have to look or dress a certain way.  I just have to believe in Jesus.  How much simpler could it get?
If God conveyed this to Peter, do you think He wants us treating different races in an undignified manner?  I don’t think it makes Him happy to know how we have race and social class divisions.  We can personally make a change in how we interact with others and serve as role models at the same time.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Easy Way Out Christian

And there was great joy in that city.  But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of god.  And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.  But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the Name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.  Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.  Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet He was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus.)  Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.  And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whosoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.  But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.  Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.  Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.  Acts, Chapter 8, verses 8-22.

Some of the things that amaze me in this passage are related to Simon who could use sorcery to get a whole city to be in awe of him and the things he did.  If it was possible then, it makes me wonder if people in power, certain celebrities, religious leaders, etc. do the same thing now.  Are we captivated by particular people who defy all our ethical reasoning? I’m not sure on this one, but it makes me wonder about people in the media or some religions that get rich from people sending in their life savings to them.  This is just something to think about.
Additionally, when Simon saw the power given through the Holy Spirit when they were laying on hands, he wanted it too.  Rather than become committed to his belief in Jesus, doing it the hard way through changing his life, Simon picked the easy way out and thought he could have his cake and eat it too!  He thought he could live his worldly life and buy the gift of the Holy Ghost.  Well, Peter saw right through that plan!
The sad part of all of this is that I somewhat identified with Simon.  Sometimes I’m looking for the easy way out to accomplish God’s Will with the least amount of risk on my part. As an Easy Way Out Christian, I need to be more open to being the person that God wants me to be.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Undaunted Christian

And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the Name of Jesus, and let them go.  And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His Name.  And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.  Acts, Chapter 5, verses 40-42.

My son was committed to raising money for “Jerry’s Kids.”  I tried to encourage my children to be sensitive to the needs of the less fortunate.  This fourth grade student went from house to house all weekend long collecting money.  Undaunted by those who were unable or unwilling to contribute, his determination led him to collect a record amount for this worthy cause.  Earlier, I had suggested that he had done enough and should think of quitting but he wouldn’t give up until he felt he had done his very best for this cause.  I need to be an Undaunted Christian, dedicated to my beliefs, regardless of what others think.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Lame Excuses Christian

But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.  But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?  Whiles it remained, was it not thine own?  And after it was sold, was it not in thine own power?  Why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart?  thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.  And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.  And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.  And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.  And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much?  And she said, Yea for so much.  Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord?  Behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.  Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.  And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.  Acts, Chapter 5, verses 1-11.

I’m very fortunate God that has this story of Ananias and his wife pop in my mind from time to time, especially at times when I’m trying to find an angle to beat the system.  An example would be my planning to have my college daughter come and eat at the breakfast buffet in my hotel when I come to her town to visit.  Since I’ve realized how I was calculating this in my heart, I now go to someone at the hotel and offer to pay for my daughter to join us for breakfast.  It’s not that anyone minded or would have missed the food.  What matters is that I contrived this plan in order to save a few bucks on my daughter’s breakfast and God knows what’s in my heart.  He knows when I’m making up lame excuses for why I’m not going to church on a particular occasion or why the sales person deserved my less than patient response to the store’s policy, etc.
It would be nice if God didn’t need to remind me so often.  That’s not the case.  Satan works in very subtle ways and finds ways to sneak into our lives through our planning and scheming and our making excuses for our choices.  I’m so thankful that God takes the time to remind me.  I don’t ever want to let these subtle things work into my life and slowly lead me astray as a Lame Excuses Christian.  I need to maintain a focus on God and the reminders He puts in my mind (some people call it a conscience), which help to refocus me.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Possessed Christian

And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.  And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.  Praising God, and having favour with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.  Acts, Chapter 2, verses 44-47.

It’s difficult for me to imagine such total dedication to sharing the Word of God.  That would mean selling my house and giving the money to someone else.  That would mean not having a TV, VCR, furniture, bank account, etc.  Every aspect of my life would be focused on delivering the message of Salvation to others.  It makes me realize what a worldly life I still am leading even though I go through the motions of being a follower of Christ.
When it’s difficult to give up worldly possessions, it seems like they possess your soul!  Definitely something I need to work on, especially since I’m thinking about getting a new computer while I’m editing this rather than focusing on the message that this has for me.  Boy, I don't want to be a Possessed Christian and need to get my priorities straight immediately!

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

What's In It For Me Christians

When they therefore were come together, they asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?  And He said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons which the Father hath put in His own power.  Acts, Chapter 1, verses 6-7.

Although this isn’t really what this passage is about, it reminds me of when one of my grandsons was younger and we would ask him if he wanted to spend the day with us.  He wanted to know what we were going to do before he would commit to coming with us.
I don’t think it’s positive for us to foster the attitude that if we do something exciting enough, then he will grace us with his presence.  Out of stubbornness, I didn’t tell him what we were doing before he made his decision.  If he decided to go with us, he could do all the interesting things that we were going to do.  If not, that was okay too, because he has the ability to make his own choices.
Well, I think that God works in much the same way.  God doesn’t give us the dates of the major events of the world.  Or else we might reply, “Well, if I know what’s in it for me first, God, and I think it’s to my advantage, then I will consider being Your follower.”  God wants us to be His followers out of blind faith and love and not be What's In It For Me Christians.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Growing in Christ Christians

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their Word; That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou has sent Me, And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are One.  John, Chapter 17, verses 20-22.

I have been trying to go back through my feeble brain to remember what this reminds me of.  Well, I have finally figured it out.  There is a portion of my daily prayer which is, “Dear God, please dwell with us and in us now and always, and please have us dwell with You and in You now and always.”  That’s what it reminds me of!
The significance of this prayer is that our relationship with God is of no importance if it’s only one-sided.  We can ask God to dwell with us and in us, but if we choose not to act on that, we are lost.  If we dwell with Him and in Him, as well, we are united and open to the opportunity of becoming Growing in Christ Christians.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

God's Peace Christian

Verily, verily, I say unto you.  He that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto My Father.  And whatsoever ye shall ask in My Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.  If ye shall ask any thing in My Name, I will do it.  If ye love Me, Keep My Commandments.  And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you for ever.  John, Chapter 14, verses 12-16.

When my son was born, he had to be rushed to a large hospital hours away from us for a life-threatening surgery.  It can be pretty lonely when the nurses bring out the babies for their mothers to hold and your arms are empty.  Fortunately, the Comforter (Holy Spirit) had given me what I call the Peace Which Passes All Understanding.  It’s a calm feeling when I would normally be really upset or extremely concerned.  Instead, as a God's Peace Christian, I felt calm knowing that God was taking excellent care of things so that I shouldn’t worry…and He did!
Here is a related passage:
*Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the Peace of God, Which Passeth All Understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.  Philippians, Chapter 4, verses 6-7.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Skeptical Christians

And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of Man should be glorified.  Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.  He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.  If any man serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there shall also My servant be: if any man serve Me, him will My Father honour.  Now is My soul troubled; and what shall I say?  Father, save Me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.  Father, glorify Thy Name.  Then came there a Voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified It, and will glorify It again.  The people therefore, that stood by, and heard It said that It thundered: others said, An angel spake to Him.  Jesus answered and said, This Voice came not because of Me, but for your sakes.  John, Chapter 12, verses 23-30.

I love the way Jesus made the comparison between His life and a kernel of wheat that dies, but through its death brings forth much fruit.  Jesus was willing to give up His life for us so that we could be forgiven from our sins.  Yet, we are often Skeptical Christians which seems awfully ungrateful after all Jesus has done for us.  Jesus goes on to say that those who are willing to give their lives for Him will have eternal life.  Are we willing to give our worldly lives over to God and become examples of how Jesus works in us?  That’s what it takes!
Here is a related passage:
*He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for My sake shall find it.  Matthew, Chapter 10, verse 39.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Need Proof Christian

On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet Him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the Name of the Lord.  And Jesus, when He had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Zion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass’s colt. These things understood not His disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of Him, and that they had done these things unto Him.  John, Chapter 12, verses 12-16.

This reminds me of a really good instructor who tells you before-hand what you’re going to learn.  That way you can identify the important information when you see it.  The really good instructor gives you a variety of examples to prove a point.  That’s what I see happening in the Bible.
The Old Testament tells us we are looking for the Savior and what He will do and say, along with what things will happen to Him when He comes.  The New Testament not only tells about Jesus fulfilling these things that had been predicted, but tells of all the miracles that He did, as proof to those who are doubtful.  These things are verified through different people who described what Jesus said and how He saved us from our sins through His death and Resurrection.  If a Need Proof Christian has any doubts, reading the Bible would help them see how Jesus’ life is no coincidence.
This is one of the many passages from the Old Testament that foretells of Jesus:
*Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having Salvation: lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.  Zechariah, Chapter 9, verse 9.
Here is one of the related New Testament passages that show how Jesus had fulfilled the ancient prophesy:


*And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples, Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her: loose them, and bring them unto Me.  And if any man say aught unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them; and straightway he will send them.  And this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, Tell ye the daughter of Zion, Behold; thy King cometh sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.  Matthew, Chapter 21, verses 1-5.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Get Around To It Christian

If I do not the works of My Father, believe Me not.  But if I do, though ye believe not Me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in Me, and I in Him.  John, Chapter 10, verses 37-38.

It amazes me.  The Israelites were told for generations that there would be a Savior and they waited for Him all those years.  When Jesus, the Savior, did come, they didn’t believe Him.  Now, you might be able to understand why they might not believe Him just because He tells them that He is the Savior.  I guess I could have been a little skeptical at that point, as well.  Jesus knows they are doubtful and does major miracles like making people see who had been blind from birth, making the lame walk, bringing the dead back to life, taking water and making it into wine and taking a little bread and a few fish and making it feed thousands.
He did major miracles so people would realize He isn’t just any man who is saying that He is the Savior.  He really IS the Savior!!  His miracles and all His actions attested to this, but still people don’t believe Him.  We have record in the Bible of all the great things that Jesus did and said, but He gives us a choice.  Do you believe Him?  I hope for your sake you do or are you a Get Around to It Christian, waiting until the last minute to make that commitment?

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Sheep Christians

Verily, Verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the Door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.  But he that entereth in by the Door is the Shepherd of the sheep.  To Him the porter openeth: and the sheep hear His Voice: and He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out, And when He putteth forth His own sheep, He goeth before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His Voice.  And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.  This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which He spake unto them.  Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the Door of the sheep.  All that ever came before Me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them.  I am the Door: by Me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.  I am the Good Shepherd: the Good Shepherd giveth His Life for the sheep.  But he that is an hireling, and not the Shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.  The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.  I am the Good Shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known of Mine.  As the Father knoweth Me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down My Life for the sheep.  And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My Voice; and there shall be one fold, and One Shepherd.  Therefore doth My Father love Me, because I lay down My Life, that I might take it again.  No man taketh it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself.  I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.  This Commandment have I received of My Father.  John, Chapter 10, verses 1-18.
Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in My Father’s Name, they bear witness of Me.  But ye believe not, because ye are not of My sheep, as I said unto you.  My sheep hear My Voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.  My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s Hand.  I and My Father are One.  John, Chapter 10, verses 25-30.

Wow!  There are so many wonderful comparisons that Jesus makes in this passage that I’m afraid I might leave some out.  If I do, please forgive me.  This is what this passage means to me, although I realize others may interpret it differently.
Jesus is speaking of the sheep as Christians (His people.)  People who want to lead Christians (His people) astray aren’t going to do it in a forthright manner.  They aren’t going to come through the front door and say, “I’m here to deceive you and lead you astray.  Follow me and you are bound to lose your Salvation.”  If the Christians would know better than to follow them, they would stay with the rest of the sheep knowing that Jesus, their Shepherd, would always protect them and lead them to Salvation.
Instead, people who want to lead Christians astray, do it in a more subtle manner like the robber who sneaks in to steal the sheep.  They work slyly trying to deceive Christians by making them believe that they are doing the Will of God-so sad!
True Christians stay focused on Jesus and His will for us, as shown in the Bible.  That way we will know Jesus’ Voice and won’t be led astray by others who profess to be followers of His, but aren’t.  God the Father gave us to Jesus to be His sheep, and Jesus and God the Father are One.
Jesus is dedicated to protecting us like a Shepard who protects His sheep from wolves.  A Shepherd would give His life to save His sheep, just as Jesus gave His Life to save us from our sinful nature.  Those who deceive Christians are going to run for the hills when they see the wolves coming or when we stop giving them the money or the things they want from us.  As long as we listen to our Shepherd’s Voice as Sheep Christians, Jesus will keep us from being misled.
Here is a related passage:
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  Matthew, Chapter 7, verse 15.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Turn to God Christian

And when even was now come, His disciples went down unto the sea, And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum.  And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.  And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.  So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.  But He saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.  Then they willingly received Him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at land whither they went.  John, Chapter 6, verses 16-21.

I recently talked with my daughter and told her that I say the Lord’s Prayer or sing I Surrender All, when I’m feeling scared, stressed or like Satan is trying to pervade my thoughts to lead me astray.  She told me that she says: Be Not Afraid when she is experiencing similar things.  So, this passage has special significance for me for that reason.
I was thinking about the influence we have on our children’s lifestyle choices and their relationship with God, through the modeling we do.  My daughter has picked up some similar strategies to connect with God when she is feeling stressed, concerned, etc.  It’s much better that she picks up positive strategies like this, than seeing me turn to alcohol or worse, as situations arise.  You don’t realize the impact you have on your children by the choices you make.  Are you making choices you want your children to emulate?  If not, it’s not too late to change the way you turn to God in time of need, joy, etc.  As a Turn to God Christian, it may have a positive impact on your child’s life, regardless of their age.
Here is a related passage:
*And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Name of the Lord shall be saved.  Acts, Chapter 2, verse 21.

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.

Whole Christians

In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.  For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.  And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.  When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, He saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?  The impotent man answered Him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.  Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.  And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the Sabbath.  The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the Sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.  He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.  Then asked they him, What Man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?  And he that was healed wist not Who it was: for Jesus had conveyed Himself away, a multitude being in that place.  Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.  John, Chapter 5, verses 3-14.

Something that impresses me about this passage is that Jesus asked the handicapped man, “Wilt thou be made whole?”  Now, it would seem any handicapped person in their right mind would say, “Sure I will.  I would do anything to be made whole!”  But I don’t think we always do that as Christians.  When Jesus gave His life for us and rose again to gain us Salvation, He is asking all of us, “Wilt thou be made whole?”  What would we reply? 
Would it be, “Yes, as long as my friends don’t know that I’m a Christian”?  “Yes, as long as I can still cheat on my spouse every now and then.  It really doesn’t mean a thing!”  “Yes, as long as I can still stab my co-workers in the back to get another wrung up the ladder of success.”  “Yes, just as long as I can party every now and then.  You know it doesn’t really hurt anything.  Besides, I need to relax now and then.”  When Jesus asks us if we will be made whole, all we have to do is believe in Him as our Lord and Savior.  The other part of being Whole Christians is trying to live as examples of how He works in our lives.  I don’t think any of the responses above reflect that.  What will you say to the question Jesus poses in our lives, “Wilt thou be made whole?”

Since this is an example of the positive influence God has made on my walk with Christ, this may not reflect the whole meaning of the Bible verses.
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)