All Nations

After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."

Revelation 7:9-10 NASB

For several years now we as American Christians have had an unparalleled opportunity to reach the nations with the gospel of Christ. Most of us don't have to leave the cities we live in, as the nations are coming to us. In fact, people from some of the most dangerous countries to proclaim Christ in, are coming here. They would be otherwise unreachable, but God has opened up a marvelous way for those who would otherwise never have a chance to hear the good news, to not only hear, but live as followers of Jesus in security.

I urge everyone who calls themselves a Christian to take advantage of this while the door is still open. Even now as I write this the door is closing on this great opportunity. While many view the vast numbers of people entering our country as a problem to be dealt with, I view it as God making it possible for everyone to have a chance to hear the gospel ( see Acts 17:26-27).

Behold, My servant will prosper, He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted. Just as many were astonished at you, My people, so His appearance was marred more than any man and His form more than the sons of men. Thus He will sprinkle many nations, kings will shut their mouths on account of Him; for what had not been told them they will see, and what they had not heard they will understand.

Isaiah 52:23-15 NASB 

But the LORD was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief; if He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring, He will prolong His days, and the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper in His hand. As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied; by His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many, as He will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the booty with the strong; because He poured out Himself to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; Yet He Himself bore the sins of many, and interceded for the transgressors.

Isaiah 53:20-12 NASB

Jesus, the Lamb who was slain will receive the reward for His suffering. He did not die in vain. There will be a multitude out of every nation, purchased by His blood, who will glorify Him throughout eternity.

And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you to take the book and break its seals: for You were slain, and purchased for God with your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom of priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth."

Revelation 5:9-10 NASB

And I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who had been victorious over the beast and his image and the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, holding harps of God. And they sang the song of Moses and the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are your works, O Lord God the Almighty; righteous and true are your ways, King of the nations! Who will not fear, O Lord, and glorify your name? For you alone are holy; for all the nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed."

Revelation 15:2-4 NASB

Jesus has commissioned his followers to go into all the world, to make disciples of all nations. Again, at this time in history, multitudes from some of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a Christian are here, where we can reach them without traveling more than a few miles. God has given these people an amazing chance to hear the gospel, and those of us who follow Him an amazing opportunity to participate in the "harvest."  It would be tragic to allow this opportunity to slip away without becoming engaged, and worse yet, to find in the end that we were actually denying the Son the reward of His suffering by our resistance to the foreigner in our midst.

The Christian's Response.

You shall not oppress a stranger, since you yourselves know the feelings of a stranger, for you also were strangers in the land of Egypt. (Exodus 23:9 NASB)

     How do we put into practice the words of Jesus in these dark days of fear and hatred? What is the Christian's response to those who would close their hearts against another who is in need (1 John 3:17)?  When others around you are demanding to close the borders against Syrian refugees, how do you respond? Could it really be true that terrorists are coming into this country in this way, or are we really being overly suspicious?

     Look at the words of Jesus very carefully, because what He teaches us speaks to this situation. What He says goes completely against the ways of this world, yet it is a standard that He holds His followers to!

     "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets."

(Matthew 7:12 NASB)

     "But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also. And whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either.

(Luke 6:27-28 NASB)

     "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."
(Luke 10:27 NASB)

     This is just a sampling of Jesus' teaching on love. Notice that Jesus does not limit love to those who love us back, but He extends it to all, even those who are our enemies (Matt 5:43-48). We are to treat everyone in the same manner that we would have them treat us! We are to love our neighbor in the same way that we love ourselves. And who is my neighbor? Your neighbor is anyone with a need that you can meet. This is not something that is defined by political or racial lines. A neighbor can be anybody, of any ethnic or religious background. He may be your enemy, but Christ calls us to love them. The true neighbor is one who shows mercy to one in need (Luke 10:29-37).

     This is how the Bible defines love.
           Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NASB)

     According to this, love gives people the benefit of the doubt. Love is not suspicious of others, yet this is what we are seeing of so many people today, even among those who call themselves Christians. Is it possible that a terrorist may try to sneak in as a refugee? I imagine so, but yet, put yourself in the shoes of a refugee who is fleeing for his life. Wouldn't you desire help if you were in that situation? There are thousands upon thousands of people who are in this situation today. Yes they are Muslim, but they do need help, and they do need the Savior! Perhaps this is an opportunity to reach out to them with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
     The teachings of Christ run counter to the way we are used to doing things. In the natural, we are bent on self preservation, but Jesus calls those who would be His disciples to lose their lives for His sake (Mark 8:34-35). The follower of Christ understands that this world is only a temporal thing, and that if he or she was to die in the service of Christ, they have an eternal home with Christ. They understand what it means to lose all for Him. It is a different principle entirely from that of the world. Jesus calls His followers to selfless love, not self preservation. This be the response of all who name the name of Jesus.

     

     

    

Strangers and Exiles.

All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.
                                                               Hebrews 11:13-14 NASB


    

     There are two kingdoms. The kingdom of this world, and the kingdom of God. These two stand in stark opposition to one another. The one is built upon selfish principles, the other humility and love.
     Jesus tells us that unless one is born again, he cannot enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3-5). The thing that keeps us out is our pride. As selfish individuals we live for self, at the expense of others. This pride ultimately refuses to submit to God, shutting us out of His kingdom. Only through the new birth, the washing of regeneration, and the renewal of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5), can this selfish principle be eradicated from our lives, making us fit for the kingdom of God.
     Those who have entered Christ's kingdom, through the new birth, are now at odds with the kingdom of this world. It is true, that by our physical birth, we are citizens of this world; we live in the various nations that make up this world, but now we reside in this world as strangers and exiles. We are like pilgrims passing through a strange land. This world is not our home.
     As followers of Jesus, we now live for a different purpose, and have different motives for our actions. This is clearly spelled out for us in the teachings of Jesus, in particular, the "Sermon on the Mount" found in Matthew 5-7. Jesus shows us that the things esteemed by the world, are worthless by the standards of His kingdom. As a result, those who would live by the principles Christ set forth, will find themselves at odds with this world. In fact, they will be rejected. The world in all of its pride, has no room for the meek and humble, no room for those who love their enemies, and who willingly forgive those who wrong them, and despises those who value purity over the pleasures that it has to offer.
     The Apostle Peter addresses the recipients of his first epistle as aliens (1 Peter 1:1). They were not only strangers on this earth, but were also driven from their country as well, because of their faith. Jesus warned us that we would be persecuted for his sake. Just as the world rejected Him, it will also reject His followers (Matt 5:10; John 15:18-20). As the Apostle Paul says, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12).
     In our "American Christianity" we are suddenly becoming aware of a great dividing line. As we see the blurring of truth, and the mass acceptance of sin in our culture, and even among those in the "professing" church, we are forced to either blindly conform to this evil world, or go against the current. It is becoming painfully evident that those who choose to stand alone on the side of righteousness, are in the minority. It is unpopular to stand for Jesus according to biblical principles, and those who choose to do so are finding out that the world does not understand them. In fact we see true Christians being slandered and maligned, in the things they say and do (1 Peter 3:16).
     Peter tells us that as aliens and strangers, we are to abstain from the fleshly lusts that war against our souls. We are to keep our behavior excellent among the inhabitants of this world, so that although they may slander us as evildoers, our good behavior will cause them to glorify God in the day of visitation (1 Peter 2:11-12).
     We are called to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. This verse tells us that we stand out as lights in this world (Philippians 2:15). Jesus has called us to be light in a dark world. We are to let our light shine before men, so that they may see our good works, and glorify God (Matt 5:14-16). Paul tells us to expose the deeds of darkness (Eph 5:11-14). We have a purpose in this world, to point the way to Christ by our witness, and by our lives. This is why we must not compromise, not give way, and not shrink in fear. Even though we are strangers here, we are ambassadors for Christ, God working through us, to reconcile the world unto Himself (2 Cor 5:19-20).
    
    
   
    

In the Power of the Spirit.

     And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.
                                         1 Corinthians 2:4-5 NASB


     For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction...
                                           1 Thessalonians 1:5a NASB

     In this day of technology and unlimited resources we have much at our fingertips with which to reach the world for Christ. Sadly, in spite of all of our programs and efforts, we see so few individuals truly born again. The majority of those who make "decisions" for Christ, go on with their lives with no change.
     Compare this with the early church. They had no computers, no power points, no sound systems, no programs, little money or possessions, yet they set the world on fire for Christ. People got saved and were radically changed. Addictions were broken. demons cast out, idols were abandoned, and sin was put away for good.
     We have so much, and accomplish so little. They had so little and accomplished so much. Could it be that we need to be filled with the Holy Spirit as they were? I believe the answer is yes. God has not changed, we have. The method is the same: reliance on the power of God. It is the Holy Spirit who convicts with power. The new birth is accomplished through the power of the Spirit. The new life of holiness is worked out in the power of the Holy Spirit.
     We need to get back to the basics. We need to get back to doing things God's way. We need to be baptized, filled to overflowing, in and with the Holy Spirit.

Mere entertainment?

     This is the Christmas season, and churches are now busy getting ready for the Christmans program. Kids are learning their lines, costumes are being made, candy bags are being put together, and presents are being bought. All this is fun, and most everyone enjoys this time of year.
     It is also at this time that the "unchurched" come to church. They come to see kids or grandkids in the christrmas play, they come for presents, they come out of tradition, and many come out of guilt. Pastors get excited at the chance to present the gospel at this time.
     But, is the gospel really presented? Everyone gets to see a play about the birth of Jesus, and then hear a brief talk by the pastor, perhaps followed by a "blanket" sinners prayer, the kind where everyone repeats after the pastor. This looks at it is a good thing, and everyone hopes that someone actually prayed and meant it, but are people really getting saved? Did we allow the Holy Spirit to work in power convicting the lost? Was the whole gospel presented, sin and depravity, God's just wrath, man's hopeless condition, Christ's death and ressurection, repentance, submission to His Lordship?
     This might sound like I'm complaining, but in truth I see the same thing every year. The same people coming to these events for entertainment and leaving the same way they came in. A Christmas program is a great thing if done to exalt Christ, and perhaps there is a chance to see an individual saved during one, but let each one of us be filled with the Holy Spirit, and ready for any chance we have to reach the lost all year long!

God works through us.

     Many Christians desire to see God work in their churches and communities. They want to see friends and families saved, they want to see people set free from destructive habits, they want to see lives transformed by the power of the gospel. Towards this end, many pray and ask God to intervene in the lives of those around them. this is good, and we should pray, but sadly this is as far as most people go.
     I firmly believe that we can pray all we want to for revival, healing, salvations, etc. but if we are not willing to be used by God, if we are not willing to go as a witness to the lost, if we are not willing to be used to stir up backslidden christians around us, we will see no results!
     This might seem like a hard statement, but I believe it to be true nonetheless. We are told that the work of the Holy Spirit is to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgement. The kind of conviction needed to change a heart can only come from God. We in and of ourselves have no ability to do this. All our best efforts to convince others of  sin and salvation our futile. However God has chosen to use us as his witnesess. The Holy Spirit uses individuals who are yielded to Him. God wanted to save Cornelius, but He sent Peter to witness to him. God wanted to save the Macedonians, so He sent Paul. It is easy to just pray, but if we really want results we must go. The Holy Spirit convicts hearts through the effective witness of those who are filled with Him, ready and willing to go wherever He sends, and do whatever He wants done.
     If we want to see God move in power in answer to our prayers, we must be willing to go!

Be transformed!

     David made a commitment to set no worthless thing before his eyes (Psalm 101:3).  There is very little value in what we have as entertainment in our world today, yet people mindlessly sit and watch the tv for hours at a time. We too often let our kids sit and watch kids programs without rerally looking to see what it is they are watching.
     Much of what passes for wholesome childrens shows is full of new age, sorcery, magic, violence,  and way too much drama. Even sexual themes are often brought in to what we think are safe shows for children.
     Sadly many in the church do not take a stand in the home when it comes to what we watch, or what we let our kids watch. We go with the flow, just like the world around us. We have been conformed to the world around us! What we need to do is be transformed. Our mindsets need to be changed. We need to immerse ourselves in the word of God. If we go to His word with a desire to know the truth, with a desire to apply what we hear, God will show us how to live! What we see in the scriptures will go against many of the things that we do. It will go against much of what we believe is ok, but as Christians we must stand out and be different from the world around us. We are God's chosen people, set apart for Him. We are a city set on a hill. Instead of letting the world impact us, let's impact the world for Christ!

The light of the world.

     You are the light of the world, a city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
     (Matt 5:14-16 RSV)

     Far to often we see the church become like the world around it. This happened with Israel over and over again. God had called them out to be separate from the culture around them. They were a pure people, set apart to worship the true God, to be a light to the nations around them. Others were supposed to see them as they served God, they were supposed to see what it was like to be the chosen people of God, the difference that God could make in the life of a nation, and desire it for themselves. However they soon interminglede with the other nations, adopted their practices, and began to worship their gods. They still held to the worship of God, but it was empty and meaningless, a mere formality. Instead of being a light to thoise around them, they became just like everyone else, walking in darkness!
     In this passage, Jesus has just spoken of the persecution awaiting all those who will follow Him. He then goes on to say You are the salt of the earth, You are the light of the world! Just as everyone is able to see a city on a hill, so we as christians cannot be hidden either. It would be foolish to light a lamp just to cover it up. In the same way, as christians, we have the light of Christ shining in our hearts. We have been called to be God's peculiar people, set apart from the world around us. To shine for Him as we serve Him, going against the grain of the culture around us. People are supposed to see what God has done for us, and desire it for themselves. That is why we are not to be conformed to the practices of this world! That is just like covering up the light. When the world looks at us they should be able to see something different.
     Jesus goes to show how the teachers of the law in His day had found loopholes, and twisted the law so that it was okay not to obey it. He assured everyone that God's law was still to be followed, and then went on to explain the true spirit of that same law.
     How often we cast of morality, and adopt the practices of the world. This should not be. We are God's chosen people, set apart to be like Christ in our conduct. We are to be Holy, pleasing to God in all we do. Paul told the church in Rome to stop being conformed to this world. Instead they were to be transformed as they renewed their minds. We also need to view all we see around us by the lens of the word of God. It is too easy to just go with the flow, but it is also detrimental to our spiritual life, as well as to the spiritual well being of those around us. The world is looking at the church. If you claim to follow Christ, the world is looking at you. What do they see? Just as a lighthouse keeper has a responsibility to warn ships of danger, we have the same responsibility to warn souls of danger. The lighthouse keeper would be in trouble if he failed to shine a light in the darkness, so we too must never allow the light within us to be covered.

Fan the flame!

     Stir up the gift of God, which is in thee through the laying on of my hands. For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness; but of power and love and discipline. Be not ashamed therefore of the testimony of our Lord and of me his prisoner; but suffer hardship with the gospel according to the power of God. 2 Tim 1:7b-8 RV

     I watched this morning as my wife went over to the stove and opened the door. As she moved the logs around they burst into flame once again. All that was needed was some fresh air hitting the glowing embers to get the fire going again. I added another piece of wood and now I have a huge fire burning once again.
     This reminded me of what Paul wrote to Timothy, a young man who was left in charge of the church at Ephesus. Within him lay the gift of the Holy Spirit, like a glowing ember waiting to be fanned into a great fire. With this gift of the Spirit came the power to lead, teach, and pastor, but for whatever reason, possibly fear, this gift was lying dormant. Paul wrote exhorting him to kindle afresh (NASB), fan into flame (NIV) this gift of God Himself. Timothy was to allow the Holy Spirit to burst into flames in his life. He was to be a fearless leader, teaching the truth in love, doing his part to see the church built up and growing in the knowledge of God. God had called Him and filled him, enabling him to do what he was called to do!
     I believe what Paul was asking him to do was this. He needed to look to Jesus with eyes of faith and reaffirm his commitment to be and do all that God had called Him to. With a firm resolve, he was to lead the church in the face of strong opposition, even to the point of persecution and death. Paul reminded him that fear is not of God, instead God has given us a Spirit of power, love, and self control.
     Likewise as christians we are all called and gifted in various ways. There have been and still are many examples of individuals who have stood strong in the power of the Holy Spirit, and been used mightily of God. However for each man or woman who has been faithful to the call of God, stand many who have neglected the gift within them. some may be called to be missionaries, or pastors, sunday school teachers, evangelists, we are all called to testify to the saving power of Jesus Christ! Don't let another day pass without making sure the fire of the Holy Spirit is burning in your heart! Fan the gift of God into flame! Add fuel to the fire! Be filled with the Holy Spirit today, and then walk in His power. Be salt and light in this wicked generation! Let's see our friends, families, neighbors, saved and growing in Christ! We have much work to do, but Jesus said He would be with us always.

Now is the time!

     Seek the Lord while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. Isaiah 55:6-7 (NIV)

      This is the time of year when the churches are full! Christmas programs, Christmas Eve services, and the like, bring many people into church. This time of year, for many is a reminder of God's grace. We are reminded that Christ came into this world to save sinners. Jesus became flesh and lived among men, for the purpose of giving Himself for us. Many come to worship Jesus with sincere hearts.
     Sadly, however many of the people are there because it is a holiday. Many have not darkened a church door since Easter. Many come just to see their kids, or grandchildren recite a verse or two. a lot of people come because there will be gifts or candy bags passed out after the service. These same individuals will not come to church again until the next big holiday.
      While many pastors are thrilled to see a large turnout, and many give a gospel presentation, yet few people come to Christ in a saving sense, at these events. Their lives go on, caught up in the business of the season. This is just another part of the Christmas tradition.
     What I want to say is this. Now is the time for salvation, today is the day! You might not have another chance. We are not guaranteed the next moment. God's Spirit will not strive with man forever. Today if you feel the drawing of the Spirit do not resist Him. You may never have another chance again. Christmas is a fun time of year, but eternity marches on! What really matters in life is knowing Christ, living for Him, letting Him have complete control of your life! Today is the day!

    

Living with no regrets.

     God has called each one of us who know Him, to be lights in this evil world. He has called some as missionaries, pastors, teachers, those who we would say had a more visible ministry. But even if you are not called to this kind of service, you are still called to be a witness for Christ, wherever you are. Everyone has a sphere of influence, whether it is in the home, or at the workplace, we all have people that we come into contact with every day. These are people who need Christ, they need to hear the message of salvation from sin, and reconciliation with God. God's word tells us that we are light in the Lord (Eph 5:8). We are to live as light, and as we live as light, we will expose the evil around us. Far too often, I'm afraid, we let the darkness around us hide the light. It may be the fear of man, how many times have we listened to filthy language, or a dirty joke at work and said nothing, maybe nervously laughing instead of telling them that that is offensive, not only to us, but to God? The Bible tells us to reprove the deeds of darkness, not for the purpose of jumping all over someone, but to show them their need for a Savior (Eph 5:11-13)!
     This passage goes on to say "Wake up O sleeper, rise from the dead!" We can get so busy with our lives that we neglect to do the things that God has called us to do. I can speak from experience. I have found myself caught up in work, and the daily routine, coming home and sitting in front of the TV, neglecting prayer, the word, and failing to be a light. Sadly, too many of us fill up our spare time with fun things for us and our families, at the expense of the lost souls around us. We do need time with our families, and I would not want to neglect them, however the Bible tells us to make the most of every opportunity that we have to share the gospel with those around us (vs 16). We may never have another chance to share with an individual again. No one is guaranteed tomorrow. Time is passing us by as many of us do nothing. Last night I was thinking about eternity, and living with the regret of failing to shine for Christ. We do not have to experience this! We can confess our sin and be forgiven, and then walk in obedience to our calling, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Today is the day to begin to redeem the time!
    

What will our Children believe?

     I have two young daughters, one is four years old, the other is three. As they get older, they start to wonder about what we do at church, who Jesus is, why did He die, and other things like that. About two months ago we were talking about God, and I told them that Jesus is God. My three year old's eyes got huge as she repeated "Jesus is God?" over and over. We would be in a store, and out of nowhere she would loudly announce that Jesus is God.
     Last week, we held a thanksgiving meal in church, for the public. A single mother came in with several children who played with our girls for a while. During the course of their play one of the kids told our girls that Jesus is not God, God made Him. We did not hear this until our three year old announced it in a store!
     I quickly told her that Jesus is God, and the other little girl was wrong. I told her I knew because I read it in the Bible. Now my kids don't believe me! They are both set on believing one of their own peers.
     I realize that my girls are very young, and do not fully comprehend spiritual things yet, but this has made me think about what happens to our kids. Too many times we "let them go", we send them off to school where they hear everything but biblical truth, we send them off to play with other kids who fill their minds full of junk, sadly even many church youth groups are there to entertain more than build spiritual young people.
     We are told in the Word of God to teach our Children about God, about what He has done in the past, about what He continues to do, about His commands, about pleasing Him, and when the time comes, about His grace and mercy and the need to follow Him (Deut. 6:6-9).
     We can not depend on sunday school teachers, and youth pastors to watch over our kids. It is not their job! I thank God for every faithful Christian worker, and appreciate the hard work they do as they work with our kids, but in the end the battle is won or lost in the home! Parents, it is our job to teach our kids! It is our job to train them up. It is our job to watch over them, and protect them from outside influence! Even "kids" movies are full of new age concepts, magic, witchcraft, sensuality etc. If we want to see our children grow up and serve Christ, we must begin now to immerse them in the Word of God! We cannot afford not to!

Let your light shine.

   Matthew 5:13-16.
       There are several things that can be derived from this section of Christ's sermon on the mount.

          1. God has chosen to use people. Jesus said YOU are the salt, YOU are the light. It is through human beings in whom His spirit dwells, that God reaches out to the world.

           2. This light is not intended to be hidden. There is no such thing as a closet Christian. If God's spirit is active in our lives it will be evident to all around us. If we truly love Christ with all of our hearts, we will not be ashamed to let others know! In fact it will burn within us. We will let it out!

           3. Don't let fear of persecution stop you. Jesus just got done speaking about being persecuted for the sake of righteousness, and then He says to shine! Just before He was crucified he warned His disciples about coming persecution that they would face. He warned them so that they would know ahead of time, and not give up (John 16:1). Persecution has never been able to stop the spread of the Gospel. In fact the reverse is true, it spreads with more power and conviction.

          4. We must be consistent with our witness. Our walk must match our talk. Many individuals may say much about Christ and Christianity, but do not obey His word. Their witness has no power, and people are turned off to the message. We must not only be hearers of the word, but doers (James 5:22)!
     Others live good moral lives,but keep silent. They obey the word but do not tell others about Christ and what He can do for them. They think that their lives will be a witness, therefore they do not need to speak! Jesus said to let others see our good deeds so that they will glorify God! An alcoholic who has been delivered by Christ and no longer desires to drink, says no when asked to go out and party. When asked why not, he says " I don't feel like it" or " I don't like to do that any more". Where is the witness to the grace and saving power of Christ? When asked why we do what we do, and live the way we live, we should come out and say that it is because of Jesus Christ and what He has done for me! The world needs to know!

     Let's be encouraged today, to stand up wherever we are and shine. Live a life filled with the Spirit, and boldly proclaim the truth to a needy world.