Do you think the celebrities who advertise for a company actually consume the products they are promoting? Is it important to you if they do or do not? Would you purchase the product if you knew that the celebrity did not use it personally?
Well, since I am asking questions today, here is another one. Does our commitment to Christ extend into a personal experience of his abiding presence? Did your “faith experience” (when you believed in Jesus as your Savior) bring about a change in your life? Can that change be seen by others or is it only and inward change?
Your responses to these questions will describe your concept of being a Christian. Consider for a moment the impact of 21st century Christianity on 21st century societies. All of us agree, and lament, that the 21st century church is spiritually weak. We do not see the spiritual power of the 1st century church anywhere. Is it possible that we (you and I) have cut off the power of Jesus from the ordinary life we live? Is it possible that one’s personal concept of being a Christian might lead someone astray or deter them completely from accepting Christ as Lord and Savior?
Don’t you think we need to remove all error from our own understanding? Jesus said, “Search the Scriptures for in them you think you have eternal life. But the Scriptures are the source of evidence and witness of me” (John 5:39 SyS). Don’t you think we need to be disciples of Jesus who said, “. . . teach them to observe all things I have commanded” (Matthew 28:20)?
Consuming what we sell (Jesus Christ and him crucified), may go a long way in restoring Holy Spirit power and presence in the 21st century church.
Dear Father, thank you for the change you make in our lives, both inward and outward. Empower us to search the Scriptures to be certain that we are in the faith. Enable us to live authentic, relative lives of Christlikeness before those who are watching us. In the name of Jesus I pray. AMEN
Be encouraged today in the presence of Christ,