Wednesday, July 24, 2013

For the applause of heaven

“Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.” Luke 6:26

Authentic teachers and preachers of the Bible will have some who disagree with, even dismiss their proclamations of truth. If a spokesperson for the Lord is not criticized by some, there is a need to worry that they are watering down God’s word. Churches are not created to make everyone feel good, but to lead them to faith in Christ and holy living which when done write will create levels of discomfort as we realize that we have areas that are still short of God's best for us.

Furthermore, it is important how the messenger delivers the message, not with a holier than thou disposition, but in a spirit of compassion and humble boldness which I like to call the ministry of transparency. Followers of Jesus are not out to intentionally offend and attack those who embrace untruth or a worldly way of living. Instead, we are to speak the truth in love and trust God with how people will respond. Do not be shy about your convictions, but do so with godly grace and love.

Has a vocal minority unfairly criticized your stand on marriage? Do some of your family members think you are strange because of the way you raise your children in Christ? Have some labeled you at work as a narrow minded Christian? If so, do not be ashamed that some do not speak well of you, sometimes we are best known by our enemies.  As the job of a hater is to hate.
Enemies of the cross are enemies of those who daily bear their cross for Christ’s sake. But we engage the enemy in prayer and through spiritual warfare. The war is not won in the headline of a newspaper or in a debate on national television, the war is won as followers of Jesus flood heaven with faithful petitions, supplications, intercession, and engage people with loving truth that comes from the word of God. The goal is not to win an arguement, but to live a life worthy of the gospel.  “For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ” (Philippians 3:18).

Have you compromised the Lord’s standards because of pressure from someone you want to please? If so, dismiss the praise and applause of people and seek accolades from the Lord. It is easy to stand on principle when everyone is happy, but the true test of your convictions in Christ come when people are not happy with your righteous acts.

Do not go looking for trouble, but when it arrives cause it will, look it firmly in the face by faith and speak the truth. Some will sneer, some will seethe in anger, some will slander, but Jesus will smile. Followers of Jesus who are different make the most difference. An attractive life full of Christ’s character is counter-cultural, but points people to Him.
In the DMV area feel free to come and join us for worship and word at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va. at 9:45 each Sunday, and Wednesdays at 7pm for Bible study.
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Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd.  Mclean Va. 22101
Worship with us Sundays at 9:45am
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact"

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