Christian Living
But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: {fear: or, reverence} (1 Peter 3:14-15 KJV)
Are you suffering for righteousness’ sake? Are you truly happy? We always say the world is not happy because they have not the hope of Jesus Christ. Yet we live as the world, daily, and refuse to be set apart for God. Just look at how we set ourselves apart (various studies cited in Rod Parsley’s new book):
* Divorce rates are nearly identical for believers and non-believers alike
* Christian vs. Non-Christian anti depressant usage is 7% vs. 8%
* 1 of every 5 abortions are “Christians” or evangelical church goers
* Born-again Christians vs. non-believers on lottery ticket purchases – 23% vs. 27%
* In a months time, less than 10% of churched families pray together
* Christians only gave on average 3% of their income and were less likely to have donated to charity than non-believers
* The typical Christian spends more time watching TV than reading the Bible
* The majority of Christians do not have one unsaved person they are praying for at any given time
* Only 1 in 20 Christians make sharing their faith a part of their lifestyle
I am thoroughly ashamed at the state of Christianity in America today. We have become so much a part of the world that we are the world. How can someone see the true message of Christ in us when we refuse to share the word, kill babies, don’t study the word, give less, take more, don’t pray, etc… It is no wonder we as a nation are depressed. We have put ourselves into a position were it is nearly impossible for us to win. If we call out the world around us on their behavior then we can rightly be called a hypocrite, if we don’t call them out then we will suffer the wrath of an Almighty God. Actually we will suffer that both ways. We have one road of redemption and that is living the life that Jesus Christ called us to live. We have to repent, as a nation and as a people. We have to be active in our faith, and this includes electing the right people. We cannot go to the ballot and vote for people that supports infanticide such as Rudy Giuliani, Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and yes, ANY DEMOCRAT on a national ticket. So what if they promise you an extra dollar, do you really want to give that in exchange for your soul?
For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? (Matthew 16:26 KJV)
When we act as the world does on a daily basis, how are we that shining example of Christ’s love to the ones around us? We can’t be examples when we “shack up”, when we “accidentally” get our girlfriend pregnant and then take her for an abortion. Right after the abortion, back to church we go like nothing ever happened. What is the point in witnessing to the convenience store clerk when we are in there buying beer and lottery tickets? The only message we give them is do what ever you want, doesn’t matter what Christ said in the Bible. Not getting along with the spouse today? It is hard to get along when Christ is not the center of your relationship. It is doubly hard when you go out with your secretary, neighbor, mailman, milkman, co-worker, etc… Think adultery don’t happen in the church, you better think again. We are not setting ourselves apart for the service we are called to fulfill in Christ. Period. Hell is a very real place. Hell is a very hot place. Hell is the very place we will end up if we do not plead the blood of Christ over our sins. And we do not have to do this only once. If we have sin that is not covered by the blood of Christ, regardless of our past repentance and current church activity; we are on that broad road to the gates of Hell.
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. (John 15:2 KJV)
If we are not bearing the fruit of Christ in our lives RIGHT NOW, not 20 years ago when we first repented and asked Jesus into our hearts, but RIGHT NOW, then we are a branch that is in grave danger of being taken away, and burned in the lake of fire:
If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (John 15:6 KJV)
We have temptation all around us, at every turn and every corner. We also have the blessed hope of Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help us on our walk. Without Christ we are nothing, and a lot of the “Church world” is nothing today, for they have long left behind Christ in favor of abortions, divorce, homosexuality in the pulpit, the hope of the lottery, etc… If we do not get a true movement of Christ going in this nation then we are only making it that much more difficult for ourselves. Do you want the temporary satisfactions of this world and a fake thought of salvation only to end up in the fiery pits of Hell?
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (James 1:12 KJV)
I will end it this way, please turn it ALL over to Christ, and set yourself apart for His service. Don’t wait until tomorrow, for tomorrow may never arrive for you, you are not promised another breath. Don’t be the branch that is cast away to be burned.
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