Is My Love for Christ Obvious?

If you are like me you may have a Facebook account and enjoy staying in touch with family and friends while also sharing photos back and forth to one another. Facebook has become a very popular avenue in which to express just about anything that is on our mind and even share postings from others that we find interesting or insightful. This medium is a wonderful way to keep in touch with many people, but I must say that more often than not, I find many posts and photos offensive and discouraging to me. Please allow me to explain my personal thoughts concerning this matter as a Christian who’s first priority is to serve and obey God above all others and anything else.

• Christians are posting pictures, or sharing posts, of themselves, family members, friends, or others who are absolutely dressed immodestly. When someone posts a picture of anyone that is not dressed properly, it presents a negative effect to the Christian. The first thing I notice is that it is not an appropriate picture and I immediately delete the image from my news feed. I certainly do not hit the “like” or “love” button because that would give my approval of the photo. My first thought is why did this Christian send this photo for many other Christians to see? My second thought is that I don’t believe that this Christian has the proper love and obedience for Christ. Have we become numb to what God’s word clearly teaches in regard to modesty. And by the way, it does not matter if the individual is dressed in the commonly accepted attire for a sporting event, if their clothing for that event is immodest in God’s sight. Before a Christian steps foot outside the door of their own house they should make sure that they are properly clothed, in God’s sight, before anyone else sees them in any given place or situation.

• Christians are posting or sharing posts which contain bad language. We may see a video or post which reflects something that we are passionate about and we know of some others who may appreciate it. We then click the “share” button and off it goes to our many friends on our news feed. Then I see a post and immediately notice a curse word in the caption! What do I do? Do I continue to watch it? No. I immediately delete the post and wonder why would this Christian send something like this? “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). “For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” (Matthew 12:37). Again, I certainly would not hit the “like” or “love” button because I don’t give approval for such things as a Christian.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, we must think about who we are. We also must be mindful that everything we do, what we say, where we go, what we wear, etc., also reflects upon others who we are. God knows our thoughts and actions and as soon as we hit the “post” button other Christians also know our actions! The title of this article is “Is My Love for Christ Obvious?” Is it? The apostle Paul when writing to Timothy told him: “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all” (1 Timothy 4:12-15). When Christians post only those things which are good and acceptable to God, then we can see their progress in Christ, striving to do all things which are pleasing to God and other Christians.

When Christians hit that “like” or “love” button when something is posted that is not acceptable to God (unrighteousness), then one is giving approval for the sin. “who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them” (Romans 1:32). We need more Christians to have the kind of mindset that the apostle Paul was writing about in Romans and Philippians. ”I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8). I urge you to read these passages and ask “am I honestly proving my service to God as a Christian by posting or liking the things I do?” We need to understand that we are to be a “living sacrifice” and acceptable to God in all that we do.

When our true love for God motivates us, then we will ensure that we are conducting ourselves in every way that is pleasing to Him. Jesus said that we must “....love the lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength....” (Mark 12:30). With that kind of sincere love for God, then we will stay focused on making sure that we please our Lord in all aspects of our lives. When Paul wrote to Timothy, he instructed him to be an example to the believers in “purity”. When Paul wrote to the Philippians, he told them to meditate on those things that are “pure.” The apostle John wrote “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1 John 3:1-3). I believe that every Christian understands the purity of Christ. He was without sin, the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He gave Himself freely to die on the cross so that we can have forgiveness of sins and to be with Him in eternity if we will obey His word (John 12:48), and be faithful until death (Revelation 2:10). Therefore, before we ever post or share a post on Facebook, think about our love for God and the purity of Christ. A Christian that truly loves God and strives to be pure as Christ is pure, will always make sure that everything that is posted or shared will not only be pleasing to God, but also to all His children who have a desire to be with Him one day. Let us make sure that others will truly be able to see that our progress in Christ is “evident to all.”

Salvation

Most everyone wants to go to heaven. Most everyone thinks they are going to heaven. But the reality, based on the Bible, is that most people will NOT go to heaven and will be lost eternally. Jesus said 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." The word of God clearly says that only a few will gain eternal life with God. Therefore, we should be asking "what shall I do to be saved?" With that question we should also seek a truthful answer and be prepared to do God's will in response to that question according to His truth.

When we honestly consider this question, we need to understand that it is not a matter of what God, Christ, or the Holy Spirit must do. It is not a question of what others have done, what I feel, what experience must I have, what I think, or what do other religions think. Dear friend, it is a question of "what must I do?" Jesus said these words in Matthew 7:21: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (See also Revelation 22:14; James 1:21-25). We can see from the Bible that there are certain things that must be done if we want to enjoy the salvation in Christ -- to be able to be among those "few" who really will go to heaven. Yes, the Bible clearly teaches there is something to do; and this must be done.

To Be Saved We Must.....

To be saved we must believe the gospel; we must believe in Christ (John 8:24). After believing, we must repent of all of our sins, which is a turning from the sinful things we have done in our past and be determined to live a life of godliness. “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins....” (Acts 2:38). We must then confess that Jesus Christ is the Son of God as stated in Romans 10:9-10. Then we must be buried in baptism to have our sins forgiven (Acts 2:38) and to get INTO Christ (Galatians 3:26-27), where all spiritual blessings reside (see also Romans 6:1-5). Finally, we must live a life faithfully being obedient to God, making Him our first priority as we live our lives on earth. We must show others (and God) that we truly are devoted to Christ in order to receive the eternal reward (Revelation 2:10).

Simply having a knowledge of God’s Word does us absolutely no good unless we act upon that knowledge. Do we really want to go to heaven? Is it something we just talk about or are we really serious about wanting to go there? When one really is serious and has a desire to spend an eternity in comfort and joy with the Lord in heaven rather than suffer the consequences of hell's eternal fire, then one will make sure that they obey God's inspired teaching in the Bible and do what He says is required for salvation -- not what man says. The bottom line is this: When we are faced with taking our last breath on this earth -- all that matters is if we are in the right relationship with God. Today is the day we have to make sure we are ready -- we may not have a tomorrow. "For He says: "IN AN ACCEPTABLE TIME I HAVE HEARD YOU, AND IN THE DAY OF SALVATION I HAVE HELPED YOU." Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6:2). God wants us to go to heaven. But whether we do or not is our choice. We must obey Christ now before it is everlastingly too late (Hebrews 5:9; 9:27).

 

A Worker for the Lord

There is a song that we sing from time to time entitled “I want to be a worker for the Lord.” It is a song that most everyone knows and as a result we really sing out. But have we really paid much attention to the words of that song? Verse one goes like this; “I want to be a worker for the Lord, I want to love and trust His holy word; I want to sing and pray and be busy every day, In the kingdom of the Lord. I will work, I will pray, I will labor every day in the vineyard of the Lord.” Every Christian should love to sing this song because they are living this kind of life on a day to day basis. However, such is not the case. Many, far too many, Christians are singing the words to this song and others without thinking about what they are saying to God. How can one sing “I want to be a worker for the Lord” and seldom attend the services of the Lord? Or how can one sing “I want to sing and pray and be busy every day” when God is not their priority in life? There are many things that are involved in the Lord’s work in which we should be active workers in His vineyard.

The Lord’s Work is More Than Singing

The Lord’s work consists of several areas of our life as a Christian. Before we can get motivated to do His work we must first believe totally in Him (John 6:28-29). When we believe in the Lord we should be moved to constantly want to do good. Paul wrote: “comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work” (2 Thessalonians 2:17). Wanting to do good and to practice righteousness in the Lord is something that each one of us should WANT to do (Ephesians 2:10; Acts 10:35). A worker for the Lord is one that takes every opportunity to teach someone about the wonderful Christ (1 Corinthians 16:10). However, we can’t teach anyone the word of God if we do not take the time to study the word ourselves (2 Timothy 2:15).

The Lord’s work also consists of keeping ALL of the commandments in which He has given to us (Luke 17:10; Philippians 2:12-14). It does not do us any good to profess to be a Christian, a disciple, if we are not making every attempt to DO all of the things in which Christ has asked us to do. 

How Should We Do His Work?

When we do the Lord’s work we should not do it to be seen of men (Matthew 6:1; 23:5). We should be workers for the Lord because we want to please Him, not because we want to be seen of men to please them. If we are pleasing to the Lord, then we will be pleasing to men. We should desire to do His work because we want to give God the glory (Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 10:31). When we set our minds to do His work willingly (1 Corinthians 9:17), and heartily (Colossians 3:23), then we will ensure that everything we do in word or deed will be in Christ’s name (by His authority, Colossians 3:17).

Why Should We Have a Desire to Do His Work?

There are at least four reasons I can think of why we should have a sincere desire to do the Lord’s work. 1) In order to be saved. Paul wrote: “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Eternal salvation with Christ will only come to those that obey him (Hebrews 5:9). 2) In order to be acceptable to Him. “But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him” (Acts 10:35). When we fear God we will keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13) and do the right thing in His sight (James 4:17). Are you working righteousness in all aspects of your life before the eyes of Christ today? 3) To be blessed. We are blessed when we perform up to Christ’s standards, not ours or our friends (Matthew 5:3-11). 4) To be rewarded. In the book of Revelation 22:12 we read: “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.” Since our reward is based upon our work (2 Corinthians 5:10), then what manner of persons ought we to be (2 Peter 3:11). 

Conclusion

May we all be “workers for the Lord” not in word only but in action! A true worker for the Lord will be evident to all. Paul wrote to young Timothy: “Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all” (1 Timothy 4:15). May we all be determined to work for the Lord to the very end (Revelation 2:26). Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). How sad it will be at the judgment to know that we wore the name “Christian,” and sang the song to God “I want to be a worker for the Lord,” but never put into practice what we said to Him (Matthew 15:8-9)!

 

Where's the Bible?

Have you ever found yourself asking at the conclusion of a church service “where’s the Bible?” Have you gone to church services, taken your Bible with you, and then realized after leaving that you never were asked to open it? In many churches today, sermons are given with little to no scripture included. Many times lessons are developed and presented around the events of the day. This can help us to learn to deal with life, but it does not teach us, from the Bible, how to live our life.

In our society, many churches have tried all kinds of things in an effort to bring people to church services. The one thing that is usually missing in most of these efforts is an appeal for people to come and learn more about the Bible. You may have even felt that churches seem to emphasize how the Bible should be made to fit our lives, rather than how our lives should be made to fit the Bible. Many churches today practice various doctrines and traditions that are not found anywhere in the Bible (Matthew 15:8-9). It would seem that if one is trying to please God in all aspects of their life, then one would want to make sure that everything that they are doing religiously is in accordance with the Bible — the Word of God (Matthew 7:21).

If you are interested in knowing this wonderful book of God, the Bible, we encourage you to visit the Poudre Valley church of Christ where only the Bible is preached, taught, and practiced. Many people today are interested in church sponsored entertainment to fulfill their needs. We, however, emphasize the necessity of learning and knowing the Bible; we emphasize the need for Christ in our life based upon His Word. We teach only the Bible because we understand the importance of what Jesus said in John 12:48: “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him — the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.”

The Poudre Valley church of Christ is a place where you can attend and learn the Bible. In our Bible classes, we study the words of Jesus and the inspired apostles. In this way, we can learn what individuals had to do back in the first century in order to be saved and then make those same applications to our lives. Today, most denominations trace the establishment of their church to a specific person on a specific date: anywhere from 600 A.D. to present time. However, Christ promised to build His church (Matthew 16:18), and we learn from the Bible that His church was established on the first Pentecost after His resurrection (Acts 2). The church of Christ is the church in which we belong; therefore, we strive diligently to practice only that which is authorized by God in His Holy inspired Word, the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

We want to encourage you to come and visit the Poudre Valley church of Christ where you will quickly realize that the Bible is emphasized above all else. You will leave feeling loved and appreciated, not having to ask yourself “where’s the Bible? 

The Purpose of the Law

"What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor" (Galatians 3:19-25). We can see in this text that the law was simply a tutor to bring us to Christ and that we are now justified by faith. The word "justified" means that we are free from sin or guilt. It is through faith then that we are sons of God (Romans 5:1; Galatians 3:26-27).

True faith is demonstrated by our obedience to God’s Word. Notice if you will what is stated in the book of James: "But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe — and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only" (James 2:18-24). The Word of God further says, "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6).

We must be determined to put our faith in God, being obedient to Jesus each and every day that we live. Study daily in order to gain faith in Him, and then put your faith to work each day by living for Him in all that you say and do.

Opportunities That Felix Had

Felix’s problem was sin; thus, his greatest need was the forgiveness of sin. Yet, he neglected God’s offer. When Felix died I am sure that he wished that he had taken his conversations with the Apostle Paul more seriously and did what was necessary in order for him to be saved. There are several things in which Felix neglected that caused him to be in a lost condition. Let's look at some.

Felix was in the right place at the right time, yet he still was not obedient to the word of God presented by Paul (Acts 24:24a).

Felix heard the Apostle Paul preach, yet he did not respond to the words that could have saved him if he would have truly listened and obeyed them (Acts 24:24b).

Felix heard a sermon adapted specifically to him, yet he did not give it the urgent need that was needed for him to gain salvation (Acts 24:25).

Felix had an emotional response to the gospel, yet as he heard Paul reason about about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, he became emotional (he was afraid). He then told Paul to "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you." We don't have any indication that his "convenient time" ever came (Acts 24:25).

Felix had a second chance, yet still he did not obey the gospel message. Felix sent for Paul numerous times and conversed with him and did not become a Christian (Acts 24:26).

Felix neglected so many wonderful opportunities to be saved; he neglected them to remain lost. Dear friends, let that NEVER be said of us! "How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him (Hebrews 2:3).

The Defense of our Faith

In Acts 26:18, we find the Apostle Paul before Agrippa, defending his faith. He explains to Agrippa what happened to him on his journey to Damascus. He then explains the words of Jesus and that he is to tell others about Jesus so that others can be saved through Him. “to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me” (Acts 26:18).

We too can have life if we live up to what Jesus told Paul. We must first turn from darkness (sin) to the light (walking with God). “for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). “For He delivered us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13). We must then set our sights on having our domain with God and not with Satan. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, {even} to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12). Through our obedience to the Word of God we will be moved to turn around so that our sins can be forgiven. Only those who determine to follow God, not Satan, can have forgiveness of sins. “and that repentance for forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem” (Luke 24:47). The Apostle Peter wrote, “....repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

Once we have been forgiven of our sins and continue to follow God, then we will receive an inheritance! “And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build {you} up and to give {you} the inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). That inheritance is everlasting life with God our Father to those who are sanctified (which is set apart from sin and drawn near to Jesus)! Paul understood that for someone to do those things, they would have to have faith in Jesus. We will not put aside the world and draw near to Christ unless we have a true faith in Him. “But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind” (James 1:6). Thomas would not believe in Jesus until he felt the scars of His wounds and realized that he really was looking at Jesus! We must believe in Jesus with a true faith - even though we have not personally seen Him. “Jesus said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed {are} they who did not see, and {yet} believed. Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:29-31). Are we really defending Jesus to others as Paul did in his day? If so, we can proudly praise God.