| "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another"(Jn 13:35) "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them."(Mt 7:20) " But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another."(Gal 5:22-26) " Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.." (Col 3:12-14) The word "charity" used here literally translates as "love". If you love your neighbour, you'll not cheat him, steal from him or kill him; you'll love him and by such demonstrate the love that God has for him. As a confessed Christian, you're duty is to represent Christ and to be Christ-like. Otherwise, you are a hypocrite, and as the Bible says, " So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.."(Rev 3:16) You want to make God sick to His stomach? Be lukewarm ! A half-baked cake that's all mushy and good for nothing but to turn your stomach and throw in the garbage. In the above Scriptures is laid out the behaviour and resultant "spirit" that Christians are to strive for and display as a testimony of their faith in Christ, the Author and finisher of Salvation. Anything else is an excuse for not doing what Jesus said to do. How do you recognize a Christian? Because they say so? No ! He/she is the one being a follower of the teachings of Christ and displaying the "attitude" (a mental position with regard to a fact - Webster's) that denotes a follower of the teachings of Christ. Jesus told us that in the last days there would be many false christs and false prophets and that there would be wars and rumours of wars and because iniquity would abound the love of many would wax cold. (see Mathew 24) If you are a Christian, then act like one ! If you talk the talk, then for the love of God's sake, walk the walk ! There are too many already that are "Christian" in name only. "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.."(Mt 15:8) Dearly beloved brethren, and those soon to become brethren, the greatest time to show forth the love of Jesus is when there is great pain. For a small candle on a hill top is best seen when it is very dark outside. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."(Mt 5:16) Let the world know that Jesus is the answer to all ills, and all troubles, if they will only put their trust in Him. "Wherefore comfort one another with these words.."( 1Thes 4:18) In the days ahead, we will be witness to ever changing world events, some of which will be hard to understand...unless you are well grounded in God's Word and bucking the current of man's opinions and misconceptions and holding onto the truth found in the Bible. There is no greater foundation. " For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ."( 1Cor 3:11) It is time to stand up and be counted ! " He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad."(Mt 12:30) The world sees enough hell, let's give them a little more Heaven ! " And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you."(Mt 5:2-12) May God bless you with His Love, Peace and Truth. |
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